When Zhang Guifang was appointed village chief at 23, few could have predicted the change she would spark in her hometown in rural areas of the Chinese mainland. Now, five years into her tenure, this 28-year-old Gen-Z leader has rebranded a struggling community as Rainbow Village.
Under Zhang’s vision, basketball courts and a local cinema have become hubs for youth engagement and weekend gatherings. She also embraced digital tools—regular livestreams showcase the village’s produce to online audiences, opening new markets for farmers.
Most recently, Zhang launched a free restaurant for seniors, where residents aged 60 and above can enjoy meals at no cost. The initiative strengthens social bonds and underscores her community-first approach.
CGTN’s latest episode of BizFocus goes behind the scenes, revealing how small, targeted projects and a hands-on leadership style can redefine governance in rural areas of the Chinese mainland. Zhang’s story demonstrates that innovation isn’t limited to big cities—and that young changemakers can reshape communities from the ground up.
Reference(s):
BizFocus Ep133: Gen-Z village chief's small actions bring big changes
cgtn.com
