The Chinese village where half its residents are under 35

In Lizu village, a centuries-old settlement in Zhejiang province, a dramatic demographic shift has taken place, with over half of its current residents falling within the 35-year age bracket. This transformation marks one of many successes in China's rural revitalization efforts, initiated at the 19th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in 2017 and further expanded upon in a comprehensive plan for 2027.

Zhuang Lixu, once known as "water buffalo horn village," due to its isolated location and dire prospects, has now become a model of rural renaissance. The change began in 2003, when basic infrastructure improvements set the foundation for commercial development. Today, an estimated 340 young entrepreneurs operate around 100 businesses, generating approximately 70 million yuan (US$10.4 million) annually.

Retired teacher Fang Hao Tong, who now runs a trendy cafe serving specialty coffee with essential oils, has witnessed the dramatic change in the village. He recalls the once-dilapidated living conditions, including a manure pit and pig pen, and how the place has evolved into a bustling hub of activity.

Young residents like Jin Liu Yun Yi, a former schoolteacher in Hangzhou, have returned to their hometown to start businesses, such as a French-inspired cafe and activity hub. Jin believes the rural setting offers a unique opportunity to pursue her dreams without the pressure of a stable salary often associated with urban life.

This shift is not limited to Lizu alone. University graduate Grace Fang, who worked a demanding "996" schedule in Beijing, has returned to her grandmother's family home to run an incense shop. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming societal perceptions of young people idle in the countryside.

While individual villages may have unique characteristics, the common thread among successful rural revitalization projects lies in shared purpose and distinctive offerings. These projects often focus on specific aspects, such as homestays, music, or education, catering to the unique strengths of each village.

However, policymakers face challenges such as navigating long-standing unwritten rules governing public spaces and preventing unhealthy competition among villages. Authorities are addressing these issues through planning frameworks that encourage villages to develop distinct offerings.

China boasts over 500,000 administrative villages, with around 260,000 earmarked for improvement. While revitalizing all villages may not be realistic, selected villages can serve as models, and resettlement can take place in less successful areas.