"Tides can make money! Over the years, I’ve been earning a living thanks to the tides," said Liang Yonggang, flipping a wok in his bustling kitchen as the aroma of fresh Qiantang River seafood mingled with the scent of firewood. Since returning to Liangjiadun to open his restaurant, Liang has built a steady livelihood around "tide tourism."
Nestled in Dingqiao Town, Haining City, Zhejiang Province, Liangjiadun is one of the prime spots to witness the majestic Qiantang River tidal bore. Here, opposing tidal waves collide, creating the spectacular "Crossing Tide." Every year, over 300,000 visitors flock to this riverside village to marvel at nature’s grandeur. For locals, the tides are more than a spectacle—they’re a source of prosperity.
**A Greener Village, A Brighter Future** Under crisp winter skies, Liangjiadun exudes tranquility. Winding paths lined with white-walled, black-tiled cottages lead past tidy vegetable gardens and citrus trees heavy with golden fruit. Clear ponds mirror the serene landscape—a far cry from decades past.
"Back then, our rivers were nothing like this," recalled Lu Yongming, former village chief, sitting beneath his grape arbor. In the 1990s, pollution plagued the area: pig waste choked waterways, and plastic bags littered the riverbanks. "Fishing nets hauled up more trash than fish," he said.
The turnaround began in 2012 when Liangjiadun became a pilot site for ecological restoration under national rural revitalization policies. Today, interconnected ponds teem with fish, willows sway along pristine banks, and migratory birds—15 new species in 2023 alone—frequent the area.
**Beauty Draws People Home** The village’s transformation lured back migrants like Pan Yuanfei, who opened Liangjiadun’s first rural café, *Panyuan Dream Coffee*. "When your hometown becomes this beautiful, returning feels natural," said Pan, who quit her city job in 2016. Her venture thrived as Liangjiadun earned provincial 3A scenic village status, with queues often stretching out the door.
Now, over 80% of the village’s 43 businesses—from homestays to local eateries—are run by residents. More than 100 villagers work directly in tourism, with nearly 400 benefiting indirectly.
**Artists Paint a New Chapter** The tides and idyllic scenery also attracted artists. Since 2016, masters like Ma Baiqi and Ping Long have settled here, establishing galleries and studios. Their exhibitions have showcased over 400 works, while watercolor workshops draw enthusiasts nationwide.
"Art shouldn’t be elitist—it belongs in everyday rural life," said Song Zhiliang, who launched the avant-garde Tide Art Center in 2024. The hub not only fosters creativity but also creates jobs: locals now assist in pottery and printmaking studios or provide services for art events.
"Before, we relied on farming or migrant work. Now, art brings us extra income right at home," smiled homestay owner Ji Jiangying.
Amid the roar of tides and whispers of willows, Liangjiadun has woven ecology, culture, and industry into a tapestry of enduring vitality. "In three years, it’ll be even better," Song said, gazing at the ongoing seawall project—a promise of tides yet to rise.
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