Two boys walk on a bridge among lotus flowers in Wuyi county, Jinhua, Zhejiang province. [Photo/WeChat account: jhfabu]

Located in central Zhejiang province, Wuyi county in Jinhua is transforming its natural resources into green economic growth.

Known as the "hot spring city of China", Wuyi's thermal waters, rich in microelements beneficial to humans, are now complemented by a rising attraction: cold springs, which extend the tourism appeal beyond the winter months into the summer.

Last year, Wuyi invested 4.5 million yuan ($628,603.80) in constructing a 13-kilometer pipeline to deliver spring water directly to homestays across Datian township via branch lines.

Near the spring's source is Xili village, where more than 30 homestays run by villagers attract tourists with affordable prices and a location close to the hot spring scenic area. This industry has created jobs for over 200 residents, increasing annual revenue by more than 6 million yuan.

In recent years, Wuyi has integrated its hot springs with sports, medicinal diets, and culture to enhance tourism offerings.

Beyond the hot springs, Wuyi's water also supports the renowned lotus variety called xuanlian, named after its origin in the former Xuanping county of Zhejiang (now part of Wuyi county). The cultivation area in the county has reached over 9,000 mu (600 hectares).

With roots dating back more than 1,360 years, this former imperial tribute crop has evolved into a variety of products, including tea, fruit lotus, and lotus-based cuisine.

From enjoying lotus flowers, collecting seeds and leaves, to selling lotus pods and roots, Wuyi has developed an industrial value chain covering production, supply, sales, and processing. It has also created the "Shili Lotus Corridor", which blends sightseeing with leisure.