Deep within the Longji Mountains, Dazhai Village on the Chinese mainland has transformed from a remote, poverty-stricken community into a thriving tourist destination. Known for the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces, the village has turned its once challenging environment into a unique cultural landscape over the past four decades.
This remarkable transformation caught the attention of Xienglom Village in Luang Prabang, Laos. Under the China-aided Pilot Project of Poverty Reduction Cooperation in Laos, Dazhai Village formed a sister village partnership with Xienglom Village. Since 2018, Xienglom’s village chief, Bentanong, has visited Dazhai Village twice to learn from their success.
Inspired by Dazhai’s experience, Xienglom Village has begun developing its own rural tourism economy. With guidance from Dazhai and the leadership of local officials, the village is working to harness its natural beauty and cultural heritage to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.
The collaboration between these two villages is a testament to the power of shared knowledge and cross-border friendship. As Xienglom Village embarks on its journey toward prosperity, it stands as an example of how communities can uplift each other through cooperation and determination.
