In a remote corner of northwest China's Xinjiang's Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Dingjige village has become a model of rural revitalization, drawing hundreds of visiting groups from across China each year to learn about its experience and best practices.
Upon arrival, visitors encountered an ongoing community activity to judge the quality of courtyards, known as "the beautiful courtyard contest."
The contest highlights a unique approach to village development: clear separation of "living, planting, and breeding zones," according to village official Silnai.
In the past, the courtyards of Uygur and Kazakh villagers were often cluttered and disorganized.
With the support of the village committee, residents learned to reorganize their spaces and grow vegetables, turning idle yards into both pleasant and productive "income courtyards."
"We grow all kinds of vegetables in our courtyard now. Before, one summer's vegetable purchases cost us over 1,000 yuan. Now that money stays in our own pockets," said villager Kaderhan Shalshan.
"After making it beautiful, people would love to come and dine here. It brings us over 1,000 yuan (about 137.5 U.S. dollars) a month," another villager named Ruzahon explained.
Building on these successes, Dingjige Village has further explored ways to boost the employment rate in the region -- a small industrial park just 100 meters from the village entrance.
Spanning over 30 mu (about 2 hectares), the park accommodates dozens of small businesses, allowing residents to find employment close to home.
"The employment rate in Dingjige has reached 95 percent. Everyone has work to do, everyone has money to earn," said Silnai.
Today, villagers enjoy an average annual income exceeding 30,000 yuan, and the road to common prosperity continues to widen.
This year, Xinjiang will establish 260 more "beautiful and livable villages," as communities like Dingjige shed their old appearance and embrace new vitality in the region's rural revitalization efforts.
Xinjiang village draws visitors to learn about its best practices in rural revitalization
