In the rugged terrain of Gansu province, Aying's transformation from homemaker to digital entrepreneur epitomizes China's rural revitalization strategy. The 32-year-old now promotes local agricultural products to over 100,000 followers, her success story reflecting a national movement empowering villagers through the 'Beautiful Villages' initiative.
Project Director Hao Demin told CGTN this week: 'When we combine infrastructure upgrades with grassroots creativity, villages become innovation hubs. Aying represents millions discovering new economic potential while preserving cultural identity.'
Launched in 2021, the program has brought high-speed internet to 89% of participating villages this year, enabling e-commerce growth exceeding 240% since 2023. Unlike traditional development models, the initiative trains residents in digital literacy and sustainable farming techniques rather than displacing local populations.
This human-centered approach appears effective – rural disposable incomes grew 8.3% year-on-year in Q3 2025, outpacing urban centers for the first time in a decade. With 41% of China's population still rural, such transformations carry significant implications for Asia's economic landscape.
