At just 28, Zhang Guifang has redefined rural revitalization in China. Five years after becoming her hometown's youngest-ever village chief, she's turned a once-struggling community into the vibrant 'Rainbow Village' – a nickname earned through colorful infrastructure projects and creative problem-solving.
Zhang's approach blends pragmatism with youthful vision: basketball courts and outdoor cinemas now draw visitors, while livestreamed agricultural sales connect local farmers directly to urban markets. Her latest initiative – a free community restaurant for elderly residents – addresses food security while fostering intergenerational bonds.
'Small actions create ripples,' Zhang told CGTN during a tour of the village's terraced fields. 'Our goal isn't just economic growth, but building a living ecosystem where tradition and modernity coexist.'
The transformation offers insights into China's rural governance strategies, particularly the growing role of tech-savvy young leaders in bridging urban-rural divides. With 60% of Rainbow Village's residents now engaged in tourism-related work, Zhang's model demonstrates how localized solutions can drive sustainable development.
