Nestled in the Taihang Mountains in North China, the once-isolated Chegutuo village in Lingshou county of Hebei province has become a shining example of rural vitalization, thanks to the unwavering dedication of its Party secretary, Chen Chunfang.

In 2012, Chen, then a successful entrepreneur in the coal industry, decided to return to his hometown and serve as the village Party secretary, leaving behind his prosperous life in the city to focus on local development.

His decision puzzled many, who couldn't understand why someone who had made a fortune would return to such a remote and impoverished mountain village. Yet, Chen not only honored his commitment to the village over the years but also led the villagers on a path to prosperity.

Chegutuo, blessed with natural beauty and rich resources such as ancient tea trees and historical residences, once suffered from poor infrastructure that stifled development. Abundant crops and natural resources like kiwis, chestnuts and walnuts were often left to rot because they  couldn't be transported to markets. Similarly, the village's potential for tourism also remained untapped, stymied by lack of access. A road was essential for its development, but the challenges felt insurmountable.

Chen Chunfang leads the villagers to build the road.[Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Upon assuming his role of the village's Party chief, Chen made building a road his top priority.  In the face of the challenges, he invested his personal savings and even mortgaged his house to fund the project.

After two years, six months and 29 days of hard work, a 9.75-kilometer road was finally completed, connecting the village to the outside world. Impressed and grateful, the villagers acknowledged that Chen had achieved what once seemed beyond reach.

This milestone not only earned their respect for Chen but also ushered in immediate economic opportunities for the village.

Chen Chunfang (center) discusses plans for the village's cultural tourism project with colleagues. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

In 2018, Chen was elected as a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC).

Chen's sense of responsibility extended far beyond infrastructure. When an elderly woman from a neighboring village faced a family crisis, she came to him for help, believing he was the only one who could help. "You are an NPC deputy elected by the grassroots people, and I trust you," she told him.

Chen felt the weight of such trust and dedicated himself to improving people's lives and serving the people wholeheartedly.

Recognizing Chegutuo's stunning landscapes and its profound revolutionary heritage, Chen decided to capitalize on these resources by promoting green development and tourism to strengthen the collective economy.

He led efforts to develop eco-tourism and specialty industries, such as cold-water fish farming. He also expanded fruit tree cultivation, transforming traditional farming into profitable ventures by bringing in experts to teach modern agricultural techniques.

Today, Chegutuo has transformed into a thriving community with a rich tourism industry. New guesthouses dot the landscape, and a prominent "Tourist Center" stands at the entrance to the village. Villagers now enjoy modern amenities like elevators and central heating in their new homes, meanwhile, their old homes have been converted into charming homestays, further boosting the local economy.

The results are remarkable. From a meager income of less than 800 yuan (around $112)  in 2011, the  village's per capita income has since risen to 15,000 yuan. Its collective tourism income has surpassed 400,000 yuan. Chegutuo has earned numerous accolades, being recognized as a National Key Village for Rural Tourism and a National Ecological Culture Village.

"The villagers elected me as their deputy. They feel comfortable sharing their heartfelt concerns with me, trusting me to voice them and find solutions together," Chen said. "I always bear in mind that I represent the utmost aspirations of my fellow villagers."

Chen Chunfang showcases the village's transformation via livestream to online viewers. The image on the left shows the old houses of the villagers, and the image at the center shows newly constructed residence buildings. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

In addition to  economic development, Chen actively advocates for policies to support rural vitalization and ecological conservation.

At the annual NPC sessions, he put forward suggestions on transforming ecological resources into economic growth, focusing on integrating natural beauty, rural charm and cultural heritage to build sustainable new industries, such as eco-wellness, red tourism, and boutique accommodations. He also emphasizes strengthening collective economic growth to support vulnerable populations and improve public services.

Chen's goal is clear — to ultimately ensure that all villagers see a brighter future.  He said: "we should leave no one behind on the path to common prosperity."