China's robust economic expansion in recent years has propelled its pursuit of achieving common prosperity with a focus on fostering a more equitable society. 

One of the most notable changes can be observed in areas inhabited by ethnic minority groups. These regions, which were isolated and underdeveloped due to historical reasons, have undergone a significant shift from poverty to prosperity.

In Lancang County in southwest China's Yunnan Province, members of the Lahu ethnic group establish their own businesses, like restaurants. Some operate homestays to accommodate visitors, who can savor local cuisine and enjoy traditional performances. One villager said that his income multiplied through performances infused with local flavor.

"We never thought that our ethnic songs and dance could attract visitors. During holidays, we usually give two performances a day, and the ticket sales have brought us a handsome income," 59-year-old Li Shikai told CGTN.

"Achieving common prosperity is a defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics and involves a long historical process," was mentioned in the report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

The goal of China's modernization is to meet the people's aspirations for a better life, and the country will remain steadfast in its commitment to advancing social fairness and fostering widespread prosperity, according to the report.

Over the past eight years, China has lifted 98.99 million impoverished rural residents out of poverty. Also, 128,000 impoverished villages and 832 poor counties managed to shake off poverty. By the end of 2020, China had removed the remaining 52 counties from the poverty list as scheduled. These counties are distributed across various regions, including Xinjiang, Ningxia, Guangxi and the provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou and Gansu.

The concept of "common prosperity" holds deep cultural importance in Chinese history, as stated by Wen Tiejun, the executive dean of China's Institute of Rural Reconstruction of China, Southwest University.

In the interview records published on May 22, featuring an interview with Daozhonghua, a WeChat account operated by the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Wen explained that due to China's diverse geography, precipitation is distributed unevenly across the country. Consequently, people had to take various measures to irrigate crops, including draining excess water during heavy rainfall and diverting water during dry periods.

"These tasks are challenging for an individual to accomplish alone, so people collaborate to make a living. Gradually, village communities that composed of families were formed."

Ancient Chinese villages varied in size but were typically small in scale. These villages were predominantly inhabited by members of the same clan or extended family, fostering a strong sense of connection among the residents.

"The village community consists of households as the primary units, and within the households, individual family members forge strong bonds based on coexistence and mutual support," said Wen.