Honggang village seeks development through rural tourism

The fishing boats in Honggang village. [Photo/gznsnews.com.cn]

Honggang village in Wanqingsha town, south Nansha district is one of the few traditional fishing villages in the district and has gained approval for the launch of the district's first tourist boat trip.

The boat trip, between the west estuary of Shisichong to Lingding Island, takes about four hours. Visitors can experience the life of a fisherman and even have a chance to see the rare Chinese white dolphin during the trip.

The boats used on the route are currently being built and a series of other facilities such as parking lots, passenger wharfs, public toilets and reception centers are being planned for a better tourism experience.

"The village has a registered population of 333 people in 111 households. People in the village mainly live on fishing and the number of fishing boats in the village is 39," said Zhou Zhiquan, the deputy Party secretary of Honggang village.

Honggang village is clean and beautiful after its renovation. [Photo/gznsnews.com.cn]

Honggang village has set its sights on developing rural tourism using three assets: the sea, the fishing village and agricultural sightseeing. Villagers have been encouraged to increase their incomes through measures such as offering homestays and carrying out the processing of sea products.

Landscape facilities such as corridors, pavilions, outdoor sculptures and post offices have been built to optimize the village's appearance. 

The berths of fishing boats for each household in the village have been built in the same style, and flowers and grass have been hung on the walls alongside the rivers. 

"Honggang village will set tourism development as its main impetus for the village's economic growth," said Zhou.