In 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China had achieved a \”complete victory\” over extreme poverty. This monumental achievement didn’t signal an end but rather marked the beginning of a new journey: revitalizing rural communities across the country. While urban areas have thrived, rural regions still face challenges in achieving modernization and prosperity.
So, how is China transforming its vast countryside? Let’s explore some of the key strategies driving this rural revitalization.
Empowering with Clean Energy
Access to reliable energy is essential for development. In Jinzhai County, Anhui Province, the local government installed solar power facilities for thousands of households and villages. These initiatives not only provided clean and stable electricity but also increased incomes for many families. From 2014 to 2019, the poverty rate in Jinzhai County dropped from 22.1% to just 0.31%.
Fostering Rural Entrepreneurship
Encouraging start-ups in rural areas is sparking innovation and creating jobs. In a collaborative project between Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces, over 500 aspiring entrepreneurs received training to start their own businesses. This led to significant economic growth and helped lift over 5,000 people out of poverty.
Boosting Local Tourism
China’s natural beauty is a valuable asset. By promoting tourism in picturesque areas like Shibadong Village in Hunan Province, rural communities are attracting visitors from around the world. Tourism development brings improved infrastructure, job opportunities, and increased incomes. In Shibadong, residents saw their average incomes rise dramatically over ten years.
Leveraging Local Resources
Supporting minority ethnic groups to utilize their local resources has proven effective. In Towankh Magget Village in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, initiatives like developing black fungus production and walnut processing plants have empowered residents to engage in sustainable industries, boosting the local economy.
Putting People First
Central to China’s rural revitalization is the philosophy of putting people at the heart of development. When communities are involved and see the benefits firsthand, they become active participants in their own growth. As President Xi Jinping emphasized, \”Bringing benefits to the people is the fundamental principle of governance.\”
China’s journey towards rural revitalization is an ongoing process, aiming not just for economic growth but for a more balanced and equitable society. By focusing on clean energy, entrepreneurship, tourism, local resources, and people-centered policies, China is working towards a future where rural and urban areas thrive together.
