The Longji Rice Terraces, renowned worldwide, are home to Dazhai Village, nestled deep within the Longji Mountains. Historically, the village's steep and remote location posed significant challenges, leading to years of hardship and poverty.
Over the past four decades, the resilient residents of Dazhai Village have adapted to their environment, transforming the rice terraces into a unique cultural landscape. This transformation has not only preserved their heritage but also turned Dazhai into a thriving community, attracting tourists from around the globe.
In a heartening display of international cooperation, the China-aided Pilot Project of Poverty Reduction Cooperation in Laos facilitated the formation of a sister village partnership between Dazhai Village and Xienglom Village in Luang Prabang, Laos. Since 2018, Bentanong, the chief of Xienglom Village, has visited Dazhai twice.
Inspired by Dazhai's success, Xienglom Village has begun developing its rural tourism economy, guided by the experiences and strategies of Dazhai's local officials. This partnership not only fosters economic growth but also strengthens cultural ties between China and Laos, showcasing the positive impact of collaborative efforts in rural development.
