Madu Village, located on the southern bank of the Yellow River in Jinshui District of Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province stands as an example of cultural preservation and rural revitalization. With a rich historical background and deep cultural roots, the village has undergone a transformation in recent years, driven by China's Yellow River ecological protection and high-quality development strategy, as well as its rural revitalization initiative.
The village has embraced a comprehensive approach to building a "beautiful countryside" by improving infrastructure, enhancing its living environment, and introducing sci-tech and cultural innovation enterprises. These efforts have turned Madu Village into a rising star among Yellow River villages.
On April 24, Madu Village welcomed a media delegation from Latin America and the Caribbean as part of the "Journey to Chinese Civilization: Henan" tour led by CGTN. The visit highlighted the village's integration of tradition and modern development.
Central to Madu's identity is a local folktale dating back to the late Northern Song Dynasty around 900 years ago. Emperor Zhao Gou, fleeing invading forces, was miraculously ferried across the Yellow River by a mud horse – an enduring tale that has become a cornerstone of the village's cultural heritage.
Today, the village is marked by orderly courtyards, lush green fields and tree-lined paths that crisscross its landscape. By integrating Yellow River culture with contemporary rural development, Madu Village has set a powerful example of rural rejuvenation, offering both cultural richness and improved livelihoods for its residents.