Xikou's path to common prosperity
A view of Xikou village in Longyou county of Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]
Xikou village in Longyou county of Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province has over the past few years been ramping up efforts to advance rural vitalization and achieve common prosperity.
For example, the village has since 2017 been renovating its ancient street that has a history of nearly 1,400 years.
The renovated ancient street, which features an art museum, a public cultural station, master inheritors' studios and local snacks, has attracted many makers to start businesses.
One such person is Jiang Peng, who has created a bamboo weaving industry that generated sales revenues of 12 million yuan ($1.69 million) in 2021.
The village had also renovated its obsolete pyrite mining area in 2019 to develop the health tourism industry. The area is currently home to 35 guesthouses and provides services such as catering, accommodation and recreational activities.
The village's collective economy in 2021 was 1.7 million yuan, while the operating income totaled 1.04 million yuan.
The village will establish more platforms such as a youth entrepreneurs association to lure more young people to start businesses, said Wo Haitao, Party secretary of Xikou town.
The village has also been included in a provincial program that is aimed at protecting traditional ancient villages.