THE city wants more villages to help farmers and to boost tourism.

Shanghai is to reconstruct villages covering 750,000 households of local farmers and set up 100 model villages. Infrastructure will be built, the local environment improved and public services provided.

Aside from improving the living environment of local farmers and promoting rural tourism, the project aims to better preserve traditional culture. It is also part of a national campaign to build up “beautiful countryside” in China.

By the end of last year, villages of more than 500,000 households had been reconstructed in Shanghai, with 45 model villages set up.

The measures include improving the ecological environment, particularly with regard to rivers, upgrading sewage treatment systems, reconstructing old roads and bridges, and renovating dangerous housing.

The project received 1.1 billion yuan (US$160 million) from various levels of governmental budgets in 2016.

Rural tourism is a key feature in the construction of “beautiful countryside.”

For example in suburban Jinshan District, some villagers have leased their homes to local management companies to be renovated as bed and breakfast style residences for tourists.

The district has been listed as one of the model counties in China for integrating agriculture, industry and service sectors to help to broaden farmers’ ways of earning income.

“As many young villagers have now purchased new homes in downtown, their homes at the seaside will be empty,” says a manager, surnamed Ge, with Jianshanzui Fishing Village Investment and Management Company in the district.

The company is responsible for attracting investment and infrastructure construction of the village. “As we are government-backed, many villagers trust us and are willing to lease to us. We will then select investors with high thresholds to ensure the design and interests of villagers.”

The village currently has 10 B&B-style hotels, providing more than 100 rooms for tourists from downtown and nearby cities. There are a further three still under renovation.

Ge added that the villagers retain ownership and can take their properties back once their contract ends.