Nestled amidst the serene land of Wenjiang district in Southwest China's Sichuan province, Minjiang village is known for its picturesque setting and prosperous community, a beacon of rural vitalization.

Against the backdrop of white walls, black tiles and meandering streams, the village radiates a charm that captivates visitors, making it a sought-after destination for suburban excursions near the provincial capital of Chengdu.

The photo shows the picturesque landscape of Minjiang village, Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan province. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn] 

When discussing these remarkable changes, one cannot overlook Tao Xunhua, the village's chief. Her resilience and unwavering determination have led the villagers to spearhead a remarkable transformation, turning the village into a vibrant hub of sustainable development and cultural preservation.

Back in 2010, the village faced serious challenges such as weak infrastructure and difficulties in industrial development.

Tao confronted the challenges head-on. "If we work hard, no hurdle is insurmountable," she said.

Under Tao's leadership, Minjiang has undergone significant renovation. Infrastructure improvements — such as village-wide roads, comprehensive waste management and wastewater treatment — not only enhanced the village's appearance but also significantly improved the quality of life of its residents.

Embracing an eco-centric approach, the village leveraged its natural resources to create 65-km enchanting greenways, offering a harmonious blend of nature and community.

The vitalization efforts in Minjiang attracted private capital, leading to the introduction of innovative agriculture and rural tourism projects. New forms of business, including a campsite, boutique hotels, Minjiang Academy of Classical Learning and Minjiang Art Gallery, injected fresh vitality into the village. Camping and homestays have emerged as key pillars of the local economy.

Since taking office, Tao has consistently placed villagers at the center of decision-making, striving to improve their well-being.

"The villagers trust me and elected me as the village head, so I must live up to their expectations,” Tao said.

"No matter how small the matter is — whether it's repairing ditches, fixing roads or installing street lights — as long as it benefits the villagers, it's a 'major matter'. Similarly, things like attracting investment, bringing in talent or initiating projects that boost the villagers' income are all 'important matters' that I am determined to focus on.”

Beyond improving infrastructure and promoting rural tourism, Tao's forward-thinking approach extended to leveraging digital technologies for rural development. Initiatives like the "Households Alliance" and "Minjiang Family Feast" fostered a sharing economy model by pooling local resources through a service platform, while the development of the "Baijia Employment" mini-program addressed the evolving labor needs of local businesses, showcasing Tao's commitment to innovation and community empowerment.

Recognizing the transformative potential of new technologies, Tao championed the digitalization of Minjiang village to ensure widespread access to gigabit networks and 5G technology. The integration of digital platforms in rural tourism projects and the establishment of a rural micro-landscape market further underscored her commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth and village management.

Tao Xunhua (fourth from left), Party chief of Minjiang village and deputy to the National People's Congress,  and fellow villagers pose for a group photo at the Minjiang Art Gallery. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Looking ahead, Tao envisions that Minjiang will continue to strengthen its digital infrastructure and harness emerging technologies to further support rural vitalization.

In 2018, Tao was elected as a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC) due to her dedication to rural development. She has since consistently championed the interests of farmers and rural communities through her practical proposals and initiatives, such as promoting agricultural insurance and rural emergency broadcasting systems.

At last year's NPC session, Tao put forward suggestions on accelerating digital development in rural areas. "I hope that digital technology can further empower rural development across economy, politics, culture, society and ecological civilization, making agriculture smarter and production more efficient, so as to bring more benefits to farmers and contribute to rural vitalization," she said.

The photo shows Tao Xunhua (center), Party chief of Minjiang village and deputy to the National People's Congress, with fellow villagers. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

As Tao continues to lead Minjiang village on its path of transformation, her vision for rural development transcends mere economic prosperity. She said that rural vitalization is about enhancing people’s sense of fulfillment, happiness and security.

Tao Xunhua (second from right), Party secretary and chief of Minjiang village and deputy to the National People's Congress, solicits views from fellow villagers. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

She calls for greater social engagement in rural development and envisions a future where talent thrives, communities flourish and the "fields of hope" brim with vitality.

Ding Zizhe contributed to this story.