Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism inked a cooperative agreement with Jiande government, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on March 11, for the development of rural tourism in Meicheng ancient town.

Meicheng is among the few "living old towns" in China with intact street-and-alley structures and abundant historical relics.

According to the agreement, both sides will work together to build the town into a model for rural tourism in Zhejiang province, and make it a golden name card for the integration of cultural and tourism industries in China within three to five years.

The partnership involves 12 projects including culture protection and inheritance, and introducing tourism commercial activities.

Specifically, the provincial government will help the town in the construction of public facilities and A-level scenic villages, explore the characteristic cultural resources and restore local historical streets and buildings.

"As this year marks a new beginning for the integrated development of culture and tourism industry in Jiande, We will prioritize the construction of Meicheng and build it into a provincial-level characteristic town by fully implementing tasks involved in the cooperative agreement," said a local official from Jiande city.

In 2018, Meicheng town received 1.14 million tourists from home and abroad, generating a tourism revenue of nearly 8 million yuan ($1.2 million).

Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism inks a cooperative agreement with Jiande government, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on March 11. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]