When rising entrepreneur Peng Bailing walked away from her white-collar role in 2020, she didn’t head to another city—she returned to Hubei Village on the Chinese mainland. Armed with nothing but a vision and determination, she saw potential where others saw decay: a crumbling old house that echoed stories of a bygone era.
Turning that derelict structure into Fuqi Little Shop, a cozy cafe and community hub, Bailing preserved the original beams and bricks, weaving local relics into art installations. Every coffee cup poured here carries more than flavor—it carries a bridge between urban sophistication and rural authenticity.
What started as a passion project quickly became a catalyst for connection. Villagers gather for weekly craft sessions on the veranda; digital nomads find a quiet corner with Wi-Fi and homemade snacks; travelers document their visits, sharing Hubei Village’s charm on social media. Fuqi Little Shop has sparked a ripple effect, inspiring neighbors to launch small shops, workshops and cultural meetups.
Now, five years after her return, Bailing holds the title of "Pioneer New Villager." Her journey embodies a quiet revolution: reconnecting urban expertise with rural roots to fuel sustainable growth. As young global citizens seek authentic experiences, this story shows how one cafe can awaken an entire village.
In an era of remote work and sustainable travel, Fuqi Little Shop stands as a model for changemakers everywhere—proof that innovation and community can thrive beyond city limits.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
