A Common Future: Regeneration and Governance in Qinshan Village
Challenges and Objectives
In rural areas of China, Farmlands lie fallow as the able-bodied rural workforce leaves for the cities in search of better opportunities, leaving behind only women and children. Public services are lacking, and excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers has polluted the land and water bodies, leading to a deteriorating living environment. To pursue a better life, farmers have to buy houses in the cities and send their children to distant schools. The sustainability of rural communities and the inequality in urban-rural relations still face significant challenges. Qingshan Village is just one example of this phenomenon.
Collaboration Partners and Roles
The revival of Qingshan Village is a result of slow growth, collaborative efforts, and the involvement of various stakeholders. The transformation began with the environmental conservation organization, the Nature Conservancy, which initiated a small watershed protection project in the village in 2014. This project attracted Alibaba's social enterprise initiative, bringing environmental protection to the forefront in Qingshan Village.
By 2017, the design company PINWU relocated from the city to the village, laying a strong foundation for positioning Qingshan Village as an "art and design" village. The villagers and the village collective, as owners of local resources, engaged in renting houses and land, reducing pesticide and fertilizer use, and actively participating in environmental protection and design-related projects. The local government also provided support by renovating infrastructure, offering funding and land resources, and establishing a strong village corporation, making Qingshan Village a key focus for rural revitalization and cultural tourism development. In Qingshan Village, more than 80 new residents have chosen to live and start businesses there.
Revitalisation Activities
From 2014 to 2023, Qingshan Village has gone through three main stages of development with a focus on three key directions. Firstly, there was a strong emphasis on water and environmental protection. The Nature Conservancy established the Water Fund through a trust mechanism and set up a nature school to address surface water pollution issues in the Longwu Reservoir and its surrounding water sources. They also leased over 500 acres of forest land, providing rental income to farmers. The "Nature Good Neighbor" program was implemented to support farmers in transforming unused farmhouses into homestays and agritourism facilities.
The second area of focus was the creation of an art and design village. With designers coming to the village, the long-neglected village hall was transformed into a well-known local art destination. The construction of a visitor center, Longwu Village Youth Center, football field, large lawn, and Qingshan School added numerous public spaces to the village. Hosting events like the Qingshan Dragon Festival and Alibaba Art and Design Week increased Qingshan Village's visibility in the region.
The third stage was marked by significant government intervention. The government provided substantial funding for the renovation of village infrastructure and the construction of public spaces. In terms of investment attraction, major projects like the LIUSHAN Hotel were successfully brought in. The government also established a professional operating company to coordinate village management.
Revitalisation Outcome
Over the past decade, Qingshan Village has undergone significant transformations. The permanent population has not only remained stable but has actually increased. Various self-organized groups, such as TONGXIN HUI, have been established within the village, contributing to the growth of cultural and tourism-related businesses, with 21 such businesses now in operation.
In terms of environmental protection, the restoration of 1,000 acres of bamboo forest as part of the Qingshan Village small watershed protection project has attracted nearly 300 million yuan in social investments. Over 60 households of farmers have seen their annual income increase by an average of 60,000 yuan, making it a typical case of ecological product value recognized by the Ministry of Natural Resources. From the perspective of rural development, Qingshan Village's story was featured in the People's Daily. Subsequently, the Zhejiang provincial government promoted the creation of "Rural Future" villages across the province.
Qingshan Village has become a popular destination for city residents, attracting numerous visitors each week for leisure and exploration of its green landscapes. The collective economic income of the village has grown at an average annual rate of 47.8% over three years, reaching over 7 million yuan. Significant improvements have been made in village infrastructure, including roads, water supply, tourist trails, and living environments. High-standard farmland construction has been mostly completed. Farmers take pride in their village, with nearly 40 new houses built in the past three years and a significant increase in people's willingness to invest in their hometown.
This is the abridged version of a case prepared by AIRI Fellow Chen Jingjing. For further information, please email Tsinghua University’s China Institute for Rural Studies at cirs@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn.