A view of the idyllic scenery in Donglin town, in Huzhou. [Photo/IC]

Donglin town, located in Wuxing district, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, has achieved a significant green transformation, turning from a turtle farming hub into the scenic countryside.

Once the largest turtle farming base in East China, over 1,870 households in Donglin engaged in turtle farming, producing 35 million turtles annually. However, this prosperity led to severe pollution and chaotic land use due to unchecked wastewater discharge.

In response, the local government dismantled over 2,600 turtle farms within three years. Starting in late 2018, Donglin optimized its rural layout and carried out comprehensive land consolidation and ecological restoration.

Today, Donglin's modern agricultural demonstration zone spans 7.75 square kilometers across six villages — featuring interconnected fields, canals, and roads. The "multi-field integration" approach protects farmland with layers of ordinary, permanent, and high-standard agricultural land, centered on a major grain production zone.

This transformation extends into daily life. In Donglin's Donghua village, community centers regularly host activities like student tutoring and experiencing traditional crafts. Meanwhile, elderly residents enjoy cultural performances at the local seniors center.

The comprehensive land consolidation has reshaped Donglin's development landscape, attracting major projects like manufacturer Xinfengming Group's Huzhou base, specializing in functional fiber materials.

The Xinfengming Group's Huzhou base has developed advanced automation and digital management, achieving an output value of 24.49 billion yuan ($3.42 billion) in 2024.