At the recent Summer Davos Forum in Tianjin, resilience and inclusive growth took center stage. Yet, thousands of kilometers away in the northeast of the Chinese mainland, the border town of Ji'an is already writing the playbook on rural reinvention.
Through its "One Village, One Product" strategy, Ji'an has empowered remote communities to leverage unique cultural identities, local crafts, and eco-tourism. Villagers are rediscovering heritage skills—from traditional tea processing to handcrafted bamboo ware—while hosting immersive farm stays that attract visitors curious about authentic rural life.
What started as a small pilot has blossomed into a vibrant network of rural hubs. Each village selects a signature product, refines its design, and connects to broader markets through digital platforms. This approach not only boosts household incomes but also strengthens community bonds and preserves cultural legacies.
For young global citizens and entrepreneurs, Ji'an’s model offers fresh insights: how to combine tradition with technology, scale grassroots innovation, and build resilient local economies. Thought leaders and changemakers can draw lessons on crafting policies that honor local roots while opening doors to global opportunities.
As travelers and digital nomads seek sustainable, immersive experiences, Ji'an’s villages stand out as living classrooms—where every tea leaf and handcrafted ornament tells a story of renewal. The message is clear: sustainable rural growth isn’t just a policy goal, it’s a people-powered movement with the potential to transform communities worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
