Nestled along Lake Tai in Jiangsu Province's Wuzhong District, Shanglin Village has completed a remarkable transformation this decade. Once emblematic of China's rural decline with aging populations and abandoned homes, the community now stands as a national benchmark for revitalization efforts.
Local authorities report over 1 million visitors this year to the reimagined village, where traditional white-walled homes now house boutique tea shops and cultural workshops. Per capita income has surged to 45,000 yuan ($6,390) – a 220% increase since 2015 – through innovative tourism and agricultural partnerships.
The turnaround began with the Lindu Warm Village initiative, combining government infrastructure investment with private sector expertise in heritage preservation. Former migrant workers like 28-year-old Chen Wei have returned home, operating a successful homestay: "We're proving rural life can be modern and profitable while keeping our traditions alive."
This success story comes as China prioritizes balanced regional development, with Shanglin's model being replicated in 12 provinces. Environmental protection remains central, with 65% of village land maintained as protected wetland areas.
