[Photo by Li Xinjun/For China Daily]

After the swans leave for their summer habitats, Gao and his fellow villagers greet tourists who come to Yandunjiao to paint the sea views and seaweed-thatched houses.

Summertime visitors can also fish at a designated "marine ranch".

"We're busy year-round," Gao says.

This year, the village has welcomed over 80,000 tourists, who generated 10 million yuan ($1.53 million).

"We're seeking tourism-based development with a comprehensive view of environmental protection, rural revitalization, infrastructure construction and integration of such sectors as the agricultural, marine and service industries," Rongcheng's Party secretary Bao Xi'an says.

[Photo by Li Xinjun/For China Daily]

Rongcheng was listed among the second batch of 97 demonstration zones for promoting the integrated development of tourism using an area's comprehensive resources to drive social and economic development.

The list was released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Rongcheng on Dec 17. The ministry released the first batch of 71 demonstration areas in 2019.

To coordinate resource use, most of the recognized demonstration areas form a work plan led by top officials.

"Tourism is not only a driver of quality economic development but also an important part of quality living. Tourism-based holistic development should engage residents to build and enjoy quality lives together," Bao says.

[Photo by Li Xinjun/For China Daily]

Rongcheng has developed a volunteer and a credit system to encourage residents to join in such work as tour guiding, environmental protection and public service.

The city has created credit records for residents, organizations and market entities. Those who achieve sufficient scores can enjoy some public services, such as bus transportation, for free.

"Being listed as a demonstration area is a new start to promote tourism-based holistic development," says Wang Xiaofeng, a senior official with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

"There is still a lot to do because tourists' demands are increasing and changing."