Kathmandu— An island in the Yangtze River, once quiet and largely ignored by younger generations, now bustles with cafes, boutique homestays, and rural restaurants, illustrating a broader trend across China's countryside. This transformation is fueled by the country’s rural revitalization strategy, launched in 2017, which supports unique local industries, integrates agriculture with tourism, and fosters innovative business models, impacting over 450 million residents.

Revitalizing Rural Economies

The rural revitalization strategy has spurred economic growth in villages across China. In the first quarter of 2026, rural tourism destinations saw an estimated 793 million visits—a 12.2 percent increase year-on-year—generating 457 billion yuan (approximately $67.3 billion USD) in revenue, up 10.9 percent. This growth is driven by initiatives that encourage the development of unique rural industries and integrate agriculture with other sectors.

Cultural Heritage as a Draw

Villages are increasingly leveraging their cultural heritage to attract visitors and create economic opportunities. Over 8,155 villages have been included on the national list of protected traditional villages, and more than 12,900 intangible cultural heritage workshops have been established, providing jobs for over 1 million people. Xidi Village in Huangshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has become popular for study tours that allow children to experience its distinctive architecture and culture.

New Businesses Blossom

Entrepreneurs are playing a key role in this rural renaissance. Zhao Lei, who opened a coffee shop converted from a village house on the Yangtze River island, described seeing “a place full of possibilities yet to be defined.” Similarly, Wanshan Town has seen the emergence of a film-themed park offering screenings, food, and lodging, employing local villagers and generating significant income for the community. Zhang Xiaoli, a former factory worker who now cleans at the movie park, noted that while her salary is lower than in Shanghai, she enjoys being closer to home and having more time to relax.

National Plans Support Long-Term Growth

The development of “multiple functions of agriculture” has been incorporated into China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), signaling a commitment to ensuring food security while integrating agriculture with culture, tourism, and ecological conservation. Experts believe this will encourage local governments to unlock the diverse value of rural areas and create sustainable income opportunities for farmers.

The success of these initiatives suggests that China's rural revitalization strategy is poised to continue driving economic growth and preserving cultural heritage in villages across the country.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.