(Photo/Li Li)

The visitor center at Shan Ao Village, located in Fujiabian scenic area in Nanjing’s Lishui District, has been unveiled to the public as the first zero-carbon cottage in the province.

The newly opened center, already a popular destination for tourists, is also the first exemplary project in Jiangsu’s campaign to  peak carbon dioxide emissions and achieve carbon neutrality.

At the entrance to the village, the building boasts stunning natural looks and beautiful bonsai designs. The façade has used new insulation materials to prevent heat loss. The roof is fitted with the latest solar panels as tiles.

Inside the building, visitors can ride bikes to work out and help generate electricity, which will be stored and used to power the electronic screens and other devices.

The center has no external power supply and is entirely powered by energy harvested from people’s motions and solar energy, leading to zero carbon emission.

The electronic screen shows various air quality indicators, such as PM2.5 and PM10.

An official of Lishui’s Urban Development Bureau said the village will proceed to renovate the hostels for visitors and try to develop itself into the first zero-carbon village in the province.