Innovation brings wave of opportunity

Besides its fishing industry, Yueqing has worked to improve two other traditional means of income: marine tourism and marine transportation, local officials said.

Xiaohengchuang is located near the Yandang Mountains. There is a tourist ferry from Nantang Township Dongshan Wharf to the island every hour, and the journey just takes about 10 minutes.

The wharf's visitor center aims to become a modern regional marine transportation hub, and the island a nationally noted coastal resort and an important center for marine logistics. Last year, the local government invested 20 million yuan in building the center.

A 3.5-kilometer leisure trail around the island has been created with facilities including a waiting hall and parks, in a bid to develop a harmonious relationship between the sea and people.

More outdoor leisure sites, such as artificial beaches, seafood streets and night markets are being planned on the island, so that visitors can also enjoy recreational activities, such as camping.

Fang Xiaoying in Hangzhou contributed to this story.