Nestled in Zhejiang Province, Anji County has rewritten its economic playbook this decade, transitioning from a pollution-plagued quarry hub to a model of sustainable development. Once reliant on environmentally damaging stone extraction, the region now thrives on a trio of green industries: eco-tourism, bamboo product manufacturing, and premium white tea cultivation.
Local authorities report a 40% year-on-year increase in rural tourism bookings through November 2025, with bamboo forest trails and tea plantation experiences drawing urban visitors. The county's 108 bamboo processing factories now employ over 30,000 workers, producing everything from construction materials to biodegradable tableware.
"Our white tea leaves now reach 23 countries through the China-Europe freight trains," shared tea grower Li Weimin, whose family abandoned quarry work in 2018. "Clean air and clear water became our most valuable assets."
This transformation aligns with China's national ecological civilization goals, demonstrating how environmental protection can drive economic modernization. The county's GDP growth rate remains steady at 6.2% for Q3 2025, outperforming many traditional industrial zones.
CGTN's documentary Path to Prosperity: Greening China's Growth, released earlier this year, highlights Anji's journey as part of the country's broader sustainable development strategy.
