Nestled on China's southwestern border, the once-struggling village of Azheke has become a blueprint for rural revitalization. With only 60 households, the community faced extreme poverty for decades, driving half its workforce to seek jobs far from home. That changed when Sun Yat-sen University experts introduced the 'Azheke Plan' – a sustainable development initiative blending eco-tourism, cultural preservation, and grassroots entrepreneurship.
Key to the project's success? Engaging youth like Ma Youde, a recent graduate who returned to launch a boutique B&B. 'We’re not just building businesses – we’re rebuilding connections to our heritage,' he explains. The model focuses on low-impact tourism, with villagers preserving traditional stilt-house architecture while developing hospitality skills.
Since 2022, visitor numbers have grown by 200%, with proceeds funding local schools and clean energy projects. The World Bank recently recognized Azheke as a case study in community-led development, sparking interest from rural regions across Asia.
What’s next? Villagers plan to launch digital storytelling platforms to share indigenous knowledge globally, proving that even the smallest communities can drive big change.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
