Nestled along the shores of Lake Tai in east China’s Jiangsu Province, Shanglin Village was long emblematic of a “hollow village.” Young residents left for city jobs, leaving behind aging families and crumbling homes. By 2015 its future looked uncertain.
In response, local authorities, entrepreneurs and villagers launched Lindu Warm Village in 2018, a public-private partnership blending agritech, cultural heritage and eco-tourism. Workshops on smart farming and digital marketing empowered locals to grow organic produce and sell online. Meanwhile, restored heritage homes became boutique homestays, hosting immersive craft workshops and lakefront festivals.
By late 2025 Shanglin’s turnaround was remarkable. Annual visitors topped 1 million, drawn by sustainable farm-to-table experiences and cultural events. Per capita income soared 220 percent since 2015, reaching 45,000 yuan ($6,390). The once-empty lanes now bustle with young entrepreneurs, artisans and digital nomads.
Shanglin Village’s story offers a blueprint for rural revitalization worldwide. Its mix of community-driven design, technology and sustainable tourism shows how small villages can thrive. For young global citizens, investors and travelers, Shanglin is proof that innovation and heritage can grow hand in hand.
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How 'hollow village' transformed into model of rural revitalization
cgtn.com
