Edamenba Village, nestled at the foot of Zheduo Mountain in Kangding City, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, was once officially recognized as a poverty-stricken village. Today, it stands as a shining example of Chinese modernization transforming rural communities.
Drolma, a young Tibetan woman from the village, witnesses firsthand the remarkable changes sweeping through her hometown. With the construction of new roads, Edamenba has become a burgeoning scenic area attracting travelers from all over. The improved infrastructure has not only opened the village to the world but also encouraged many young locals who had sought work elsewhere to return home.
Seizing the opportunity, Drolma opened a grocery store offering local specialties such as yak jerky, dairy products, and wild edibles. Her business caters to both residents and visitors, and thanks to expansive express delivery networks, she ships goods to customers across China. “Convenient transportation and the development of the scenic area have changed everything,” Drolma shares. “Our collective efforts have led us out of poverty and onto a path of modernization.”
The transformation of Edamenba Village reflects a broader narrative of progress in rural China. Investment in infrastructure and tourism has revitalized local economies, preserving cultural heritage while providing new opportunities for prosperity. As Drolma’s story illustrates, the fusion of tradition and modernity is paving the way for sustainable development in Tibet and beyond.
Reference(s):
Mapping Chinese modernization: Tibetan woman's grocery store
cgtn.com
