The per capita disposable income of rural residents of Kaihua county, Quzhou, Zhejiang province exceeded 23,100 yuan ($3,403.24) in 2021, an increase of 12.2 percent over the previous year, according to local media reports.

A farmer feeds fish at a farming site in Kaihua county, Quzhou. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]

The city's freshwater fish industry has played an important role in growing farmers' incomes, and its output value amounted to 250 million yuan last year.

Hetian township in Kaihua county has leveraged its well-protected environment and the growing popularity of rural tourism to develop freshwater fish farming and agritainment.

"Last year, the township received more than 150,000 tourists," said Chen Wanli, Party secretary of Hetian township.

There are currently 3,000 fishponds in Hetian township, generating an output value of 70 million yuan. Over 3,000 farmers are involved in related industrial chains, such as fish farming and tourism. The per capita income of farmers has increased by 10,000 yuan.

In addition, Fang Yingqin, a resident of Kukeng village, has built a fresh water fish breeding base and a sales and distribution center, which brings in more than 3 million yuan in income per year.