Building on the success of the first express route connecting tourists directly to Hangchuan Village in Jiande, the Hangzhou transportation authority is launching another new service. Starting May 27, an intercity bus will run from downtown Hangzhou to Zhijiang Village in Jiande, aiming to promote urban-rural integration through bundled travel and lodging packages.
On May 20, 37 test participants were treated to a sneak peek of the Zhijiang Village package as part of a test run for the new route. Under a gentle, misty rain, the village exuded a captivating charm, with ethereal fog from the Xin’an River creating a dreamlike atmosphere. “This is so convenient for us middle-aged and elderly people who can’t drive,” said Ms. Gao, a retired traveler who had already enjoyed the Hangchuan route and appreciated the improved accessibility of this new service. In its first month of operation, the Hangchuan route maintained an 85% average load factor, boosting local tourist numbers by over 50% compared to last year and generating nearly 200,000 yuan in revenue.
“We selected Zhijiang Village as our second destination to provide a different experience that complements what Hangchuan offers,” said Liu Zhe, Director of the Passenger Transportation Department of Hangzhou Road Transportation Management and Service Center. He added that Zhijiang’s unique scenery offers a different appeal and that their goal is to develop a replicable and scalable model for integrating transportation with tourism. After its official launch, this special bus will depart daily at 8:30 AM from the Bus Terminal at Hangzhou East Railway Station and arrive in Zhijiang Village around 11:00 AM, stopping at Wulinmen Station and Hangzhou West Bus Station along the way. For the first two months, a special introductory package will be available for 198 yuan, including round-trip bus tickets and accommodation. A photography-themed package will also be offered to cater to visitors with specific interests.
Furthermore, on May 20, the Hangzhou Municipal Transportation Bureau and the Jiande Municipal Government signed a framework agreement focused on promoting joint Party building and shared prosperity between urban and rural areas. This partnership aims to strengthen the guiding role of the Party by coordinating resources to build a model project that demonstrates how the Party leads rural revitalization through industrial transformation.