Rural Revitalization Beyond Administrative Boundaries: A Case Study of Villages Surrounding Taihu Lake, Chinai

Abstract

Abstract

This study explores cross-boundary rural revitalisation in the “Six Villages around Taihu Lake,” a pilot zone for urban–rural integration in Huzhou, China. Facing challenges such as fragmented governance and resource imbalance, the villages adopted a collaborative model centred on spatial planning, industrial coordination, shared infrastructure, and multi-stakeholder governance. This approach has transformed administrative divisions into functional communities, fostering industrial complementarity and inclusive governance. The model shifts focus from an “administrative region economy” to a more resilient “functional area economy,” offering valuable insights for overcoming boundary constraints and promoting sustainable rural development in China and beyond.