Book highlights integrated growth path for rural industries

China's rural areas can unlock new growth potential by better integrating ecology, agriculture, commerce, culture and tourism, according to a newly published book.

Research on the Integrated Development of Ecology, Agriculture, Commerce, Culture and Tourism said such integration can help villages extend industrial chains, create new consumption scenarios and increase local incomes amid the country's broader push for rural revitalization.

The book said many rural areas still face constraints such as reliance on a single industry, underused resources, weak business models and pressure to balance development with environmental protection.

It proposes a model in which ecology serves as the foundation, agriculture as the base, commerce as the engine, and culture and tourism as links connecting rural resources with market demand.

Drawing on a range of domestic and international cases, the book said successful practices often feature ecological protection, diversified products, cultural empowerment and cooperation among governments, businesses and villagers.

Zhang Guanghai, a professor at Ocean University of China, said the book provides a useful reference for advancing integrated rural development.