How did a once-poor village in north China's Shanxi Province raise its per capita income to over 25,000 yuan ($3,634)?

This is the story of Liuzhai Village in Huguan County, Changzhi City, as told by Cheng Yuzhen, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and secretary of the local CPC branch.

More than 30 years ago, Liuzhai suffered from weak infrastructure and lagging development, Cheng said, adding that after her election in 2011, she set about improving living standards. 

Thanks to nationwide targeted poverty alleviation policies and the villagers' own hard work, Liuzhai has seen dramatic improvements in water, electricity, roads and internet access. Six new industries underpin this upgrade in infrastructure and services, according to Cheng. 

The village was officially lifted out of poverty in 2016, and local incomes and lives have steadily improved, she added.

Since that time, the community has focused on using local resources, including traditional crafts like liquor-brewing, to build its own manufacturing base, Cheng explained. A modern distillery and own brand products now bring a stream of revenue into local pockets.

Liuzhai is also banking on tourism to sustain its growth. Last year, it hosted more than 30 activities, including bonfire gatherings, fruit-picking events and rural food festivals, attracting more than 10,000 visitors from nearby cities, Cheng said.

The per capita income of the village has now exceeded 25,000 yuan. An increasing number of young people have returned home to start businesses, engaging in livestreaming and operating homestays, presenting a vibrant picture of rural revitalization marked by thriving industries, a growing population and a pleasant environment, Cheng noted.

Per capita income in Liuzhai now tops 25,000 yuan, a remarkable achievement given how things stood just 15 years ago.

(This video was filmed at the Members' Corridor ahead of the closing meeting of the fourth session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in March 2026. All information above is accurate as of the time of recording.)