China's connectivity drive opens new opportunities in Guizhou's rural communities

In a two-part series on China's rural revitalization, CNA examines the southwestern province of Guizhou, where advancements in transport and digital connectivity are providing new opportunities for residents. The Huajiang Gorge Bridge, the world's highest bridge at 625 meters, has reduced travel times by nearly 2.9 kilometers across a canyon in Guizhou. This bridge, along with improved transport links, has connected previously isolated communities to jobs, tourism, and economic opportunities.

Beijing's rural revitalization strategy, launched in 2017, has prioritized infrastructure development to narrow the gap between urban and rural areas. In Guizhou, transport links have been complemented by expanded digital connectivity. China Mobile, in collaboration with Huawei, has extended 4G and 5G coverage to parts of the province that were previously challenging to serve.

However, rolling out mobile networks in the region's rugged terrain was not without its challenges, as it presented significant safety risks. China Mobile Guizhou engineer Pan Cong explained that the use of drones helped overcome these obstacles during installation and deployment.

The improved connectivity is already transforming livelihoods in nearby communities. Lin Guoquan, a 36-year-old resident who returned to his hometown to open a homestay near the bridge, reported that his business has grown from nine guest rooms to over 50 in less than a year. The enhanced internet connection has been equally crucial to his success, enabling him to attract visitors from around the world and share his village online.

Tianlong Tunpu village, renowned for its centuries-old stone buildings and traditional Dixi opera, is also capitalizing on the improved connectivity. The village has seen a nearly threefold increase in visitor numbers in the first four months of the year compared to the same period last year, leading to a significant improvement in incomes for its residents.

While Guizhou's development is attributed to a combination of government commitment and private-sector investment in technology, the province's transformation goes beyond tourism. The region hosts clusters of data centers and became China's first national pilot zone for big data development in 2015. Its favorable climate, reliable power supply, and communications infrastructure have attracted major technology companies and data center investment.

Analysts predict that China will continue investing in western China, although replicating Guizhou's success in other regions may prove challenging. As China's economy slows, turning infrastructure investment into sustained economic growth will be the next challenge.