An aerial view of paddy fields in Caocun town, Rui'an city, Wenzhou. [Photo/Wenzhou municipal of agriculture and rural affairs]
Two decades ago, some villages in Wenzhou faced difficulties due to inadequate infrastructure and limited development potential. Many young adults left their homes due to poverty, resulting in depopulated shells where smoke no longer rose from kitchens. Many villages were long plagued by dirt, disorder, and a shabby appearance, discouraging visitors and hindering industrial development.
Over the past 20 years, Wenzhou has steadily advanced its Green Rural Revival Program. Starting with the improvement of the living environment, it has triggered ecological, industrial, cultural, and social changes.
By addressing the demands of the people, highlighting the distinctive features of each village, and promoting coordinated urban-rural development, it has achieved tremendous rural transformation.
The results of developing villages and enriching people's lives are evident. The per capita disposable income of rural residents in Wenzhou increased from 5,091 yuan ($702) at the end of 2002 to 38,482 yuan at the end of 2022. The urban-rural income gap shrank from 2.86 at the end of 2002 to 1.91 at the end of 2022.
