On February 3, 2024, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council jointly issued China’s 21st “No.1 central document” since the turn of the century. This key policy document emphasizes rural revitalization, highlighting the “Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation Project” in Zhejiang Province as a model for nationwide development.
The “Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation Project” was initiated in 2003 by Xi Jinping during his tenure as secretary of the Communist Party of China Zhejiang Provincial Committee. The project aimed to improve agricultural production, enhance farmers’ livelihoods, and rejuvenate rural environments. Over 10,000 of Zhejiang’s nearly 40,000 villages were selected for comprehensive improvement, with about 1,000 central villages developed into well-off demonstration villages.
Over the past two decades, Zhejiang Province has consistently implemented the project, achieving remarkable results. The disposable income per capita of rural residents increased from 5,431 yuan ($754) in 2003 to 40,311 yuan ($5,600) in 2023. The urban-rural income ratio narrowed from 2.43 to 1.86, indicating the lowest urban-rural disparity among all provinces in China.
The project has gained international recognition; in 2018, the United Nations awarded Zhejiang Province the Champions of the Earth Award, its highest environmental honor, acknowledging the project’s significant environmental improvements.
The success of the project can be attributed to strong leadership and full support at all levels. Zhejiang established mechanisms where top Communist Party and government leaders supervised the project, ensuring targeted funding and resources. Annual conferences were held to review progress, and outstanding collectives and individuals were regularly recognized, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
The “No.1 central document” for 2024 signifies China’s commitment to replicating Zhejiang’s successful model across the country, aiming to promote comprehensive rural revitalization. By learning from Zhejiang’s experience, China seeks to improve rural livelihoods, reduce the urban-rural divide, and achieve sustainable development nationwide.
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China's No. 1 central document highlights rural revitalization
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