Youth redefine local heritage in 2025

Hubei

Young people in Xinghua village, Danjiangkou, Hubei province, are sparking new momentum by combining ecological resources with youth-driven innovation.

The village once struggled with population decline and outdated infrastructure, but it has reinvented itself as a rural tourism destination. This transformation has been made possible through the collective efforts of grassroots leaders, returning young entrepreneurs, and local residents.

Wei Mingjun, one of these entrepreneurs, started an e-commerce business that promotes local specialties — such as apricots and kiwis — through short videos. His business highlights the growing role of digital platforms in expanding the village's reach.

"I hope to help share our high-quality farm products and beautiful scenery beyond the mountains," he said.

Meanwhile, Zhang Xingxing, deputy secretary of the village Party branch, played a crucial role in turning idle houses into a cluster of homestays.

These efforts are paying off. As Chen Meimei, a young tourist, noted, immersive experiences like nighttime flower-viewing walks and traditional costume photography offer more than just picturesque scenery — they reveal a vibrant countryside where the story of revitalization is unfolding.