Villages offer best of both worlds

In the previous years, Hongcun villagers mainly relied on bamboo shoots and rice cultivation to make a living, but as the times changed and many young people chose to migrate to the city to find work, it led to a decline in the village's collective economy.

But, with the introduction of village operators, things have been changed for the better, Jiang adds.

To date, the collective economy of Hongcun has increased by more than 1 million yuan ($148,200), according to the village officials.

About an hour's drive away from Hongcun, Zhinan village of Lin'an has also witnessed development and significant changes brought about since the arrival of village operators like Zhou Jingqiu.

Zhou was invited to give guidance on the village development because of her more than 20 years of experience in running the nearby Taihuyuan scenic spot, which is home to gorgeous mountains, waterfalls, lakes, a canyon and lush greenery.

Zhinan village boasts a history of more than 1,000 years and has drawn visitors for its stunning views of autumn leaves and adjacency to the main source of the Taihu Lake.