Recently, the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism printed and issued the Guide for Constructing Scenic Cities in Zhejiang Province and the Guide for Constructing Scenic Towns (Townships, Streets) in Zhejiang Province.

This new batch of scenic cities and towns are divided into three ratings from low to high: AAA, AAAA and AAAAA. All prefectures (cities, districts), townships, towns and streets within Zhejiang Province can apply for rating evaluation.

What scenic cities and towns (townships, streets) will be like?

For Scenic Cities

Scenic cities are required to be under favorable ecological environment with enough city parks or public green spaces and complete facilities, and open to the public for free.  

Carry out construction of "beautiful projects" such as beautiful organizations, rivers, lakes, courtyards, communities, blocks and balconies to completely improve "appearances" of city subdivisions, in order that landscapes exist in cities and people live around landscapes.

Traditional urban blocks, cultural relics and historical buildings are effectively protected and utilized.  

In terms of facilities and services, scenic cities shall contain diverse slow-traffic systems such as greenways, riding lanes, tour trails and water traffic. Public transportation areas, including airports, high-speed railway stations, coach terminals and wharves are equipped with sightseeing functions.

All public toilets shall conform to design standards for urban public toilets. The tourism consulting service system shall be complete with a distribution center, a consultation area and a service desk. There shall be tourism websites, APP and WeChat official accounts orienting to the public.

Regarding products and business patterns, cultural and educational establishments such as museums, libraries, cultural centers, intangible cultural heritage museums, art galleries, science and technology museums, cultural relics, historic sites and former residences of celebrities shall be normally open for free with complete services and functions. Festival activities, events and expositions shall be organized to develop brand cultures, tourism, sports and local custom.    

Reconstruct old buildings and facilities, including old factory buildings, wharves, stations and theaters into new cultural and tourist business patterns at certain scale. The scenic cities are supposed to have local brands, locally flavored delicious food, areas for tasting “special dishes from different prefectures”, and activities for building brands of Zhejiang dishes.

For Scenic Towns (Townships, Streets)

As to environment and landscape, scenic towns shall be tidy, green and beautiful, with neat clean watercourses, coordinated countryside and urban landscapes.  

Regional landscapes shall be fully presented. Appropriately preserve traditional blocks and present regional cultures. Keep commercial blocks in order and create a harmonious atmosphere.

Construct beautiful carriers, including beautiful villages (communities), courtyards, parks, shops, gardens, rivers, lakes and seacoasts. Connect different areas into lines and plans to improve “appearance” of towns and cities.

Regarding facilities and services, convenient means of public transport shall be accessible to surrounding scenic spots and scenic villages. Public parking lots (spaces) shall be appropriately designed to satisfy needs. There shall be enough well-designed toilets, which are clean and available for free. There shall be tourist toilets too. Advocate making internal toilets of shops along streets open to the public for free.

There shall be slow-traffic systems such as greenways, riding lanes and tour trails suitable for residents’ and tourists’ leisure. Public recreation and rest facilities and spaces such as parks and greenlands shall be available. Main tourist areas shall be covered by free WIFI. 

Concerning products and business patterns, there must be places for fully presenting local cultures, including history museums, museums of intangible cultural heritages, exhibition halls and bookstores, which shall be normally open and integrated with other business patterns for development. There shall be abundant festival activities. Organize experiential and participatory projects such as characteristic festivals, events, performances and rural folk custom.

(Compiled by Xu Yuhong)