Xiazhuang Village, once a poverty-stricken rural village in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, has transformed itself into kind of a tourist resort by seizing development opportunities over the past few years. Key initiatives include reconstructing roads, large-scale growing of citrus, and revamping old rural cottages with local ethnic characteristics.
Leveraging its lucrative citrus industry and village tourism, Xiazhuang has seen the average income of its residents increase over tenfold, attracting more university graduates to return home.
Back in 2004, the road linking Xiazhuang Village to the outside world, known as the "Heavenly Road" of Xiazhuang for its high altitude in the mountainous terrains, was officially opened after years of construction. However, there was no lucrative business in the village to make more money at that time, and the poverty in the village continued.
In 2015, Wushan County, a national-level poverty-stricken county which is home to Xiazhuang Village started the all-out battle against poverty, and Xiazhuang Village also ushered in a new opportunity for transformation and development.
A series of renovation projects of water, electricity, telecommunications, and roads began one after another in the village, and the citrus industry also developed from the initial trial planting to large-scale growing.
In 2017, the "Heavenly Road" in Xaizhuang was widened and hardened. In 2021, the ancient courtyards and earthen walls in Xiazhuang Village were brought under unified development to turn them into precious assets with local characteristics for tourism. In 2023, the entire tourism ring road in the village was opened to traffic. As a result, the once hidden village in the deep mountains can capitalize on tourism.
"I had a backup plan when I returned home here in the rural village. I thought if I couldn't thrive here, I would go back to the cities. However, two years later, I've changed my mind. If the locals don't help develop our village, who else will?" said Yuan Xiaoxin, director of the local villagers' committee.
As a leading member of the village leadership team, Yuan happened to discover a tourism development opportunity during the scorching summer days this year, as many urban residents sought out Xiazhuang as a cooling retreat.
"We've noticed that increasing numbers of visitors are heading to the valley area of Xiazhuang after the opening of the loop road. Although we missed this year's chance for immediate income, we are planning to complete the construction of amusement projects before next summer to capitalize on future opportunities," Yuan said.
Currently, Xiazhuang Village is collaborating with tourism companies to make specific plans. Additionally, the village has been upgrading its infrastructure and services for tourists while promoting its local intangible cultural heritage, such as tie-dye. Through e-commerce, the village has successfully sold citrus across China. Meanwhile, a digital museum is set to open soon, projected to be another tourist attraction.
"It was tough to build the roads, but we succeeded. Now, while rural revitalization remains challenging, we believe we can do it and help our residents live better, happier lives," Yuan said.
Former poverty-stricken rural village in southwest China transforms itself into tourism resort
