Core Viewpoint - The eighth "Village Evening" and New Year Folk Culture Festival in Yangzhou's Yangtze River Delta showcases the cultural empowerment of rural revitalization through various traditional activities and local product exhibitions [1][6]. Group 1: Event Highlights - The festival features a water-based wedding ceremony, reflecting the traditional customs of local fishermen, and serves as a cultural symbol of the community [2][5]. - Activities include folk performances, a local product fair, and non-heritage experiences, providing a vibrant cultural feast for both villagers and tourists [1][5]. Group 2: Economic Impact - The festival has evolved from a simple cultural event to a platform that enhances rural culture, empowers industries, and showcases local confidence [6]. - Since 2025, the tourism output value of the village has reached 320 million yuan, with collective income of 26.485 million yuan and per capita income of 40,600 yuan, creating job opportunities for hundreds in the village and surrounding areas [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the successful implementation of the "Green Water and Green Mountains are Gold and Silver Mountains" concept in Jiangsu, particularly in the ecological restoration and economic development of the Yangzhou region, showcasing innovative practices that balance ecological and economic benefits [1]. Group 1: Ecological Restoration Efforts - Yangzhou has made significant strides in ecological governance of the Mangdao River since 2017, employing methods such as dam construction and comprehensive sewage pipeline inspections to address pollution [2]. - The city has established the first local legislation in China for the prevention of ship pollution related to the South-to-North Water Diversion project, leading to the recovery of 45.87 tons of ship waste and 403.16 cubic meters of sewage in the previous year [2]. - The overall water quality of the Mangdao River has stabilized at Class II or above, with the establishment of 28 ecological parks along its banks, enhancing the quality of life for residents [3]. Group 2: Industrial Transformation - Yangzhou has invested billions in environmental remediation, transforming a toxic site into a landfill and ecological wetland, while closing or relocating numerous polluting industries [3]. - Since 2018, the city has closed 482 chemical enterprises and relocated all chemical companies within one kilometer of the Grand Canal, sacrificing significant revenue for environmental improvement [3]. - The city has established 25 national-level green factories, with projected sales exceeding 100 billion yuan in the green low-carbon industry by 2024, marking a shift from "growth at the expense of the environment" to "growth through environmental optimization" [3]. Group 3: Community and Economic Development - The ecological improvements have led to economic benefits for local communities, with the village near Shaobo Lake transitioning from a fishing community to a thriving eco-cultural village, attracting over 320,000 tourists and generating 30 million yuan in tourism revenue [6][7]. - The village has developed 15 self-owned brand trademarks and various tourism products, significantly increasing the average income of residents to 38,300 yuan [7]. - The successful transformation of the village highlights the potential for ecological restoration to create sustainable economic opportunities, demonstrating the effectiveness of the "Two Mountains" concept in practice [6][7].