Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, Chinese mainland – At the fifth China-Africa Future Leaders’ Dialogue kicking off this week, a cohort of emerging voices from China and Africa set out to explore a living blueprint for rural revitalization.
Youth delegates toured the Baxian Jidao Common Prosperity Belt, a 472-hectare stretch spanning three administrative villages and home to 2,461 residents across 1,010 farming households. Here, local authorities have woven natural landscapes, historical sites and cutting-edge industries into a seamless tapestry of rural transformation.
“It’s inspiring to see how traditional farming communities are embracing tourism and innovation,” said one young African delegate as they walked through orchards repurposed for agri-experiences and homestays offering modern comforts.
The project blends rural leisure tourism, high-end homestays and cultural-agricultural innovation labs to stimulate economic growth while preserving local heritage. From drone-guided orchard tours to hands-on craft workshops, the belt is designed to empower residents and attract global travelers.
For these future leaders, the visit isn’t just a field trip; it’s a case study in cross-border learning. By witnessing how investment in people and place can spark shared prosperity, Chinese and African youths are forging bonds that may shape the next wave of sustainable development.
Reference(s):
Rural revitalization in the eyes of Chinese and African youths
cgtn.com
