Hainan 30 Years On: Boao town transforms under rural vitalization scheme

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The town of Boao is a microcosm for Hainan's development. But while the forum has brought international fame, a big effort was needed to develop the town into one suitable for such a prestigious event. CGTN's He Weiwei has more now on an initiative called "Beautiful Countryside".

Nanqiang village in Boao is neighboring to the conference venue for the Boao Forum for Asia. Because of that, the tiny village has seen an increasing number of tourists. Mo Zehai has been living here for the past 50 years. He now runs a restaurant right at the entrance of the village. And tourists are impressed by his food and the great atmosphere.

"I came here once, and I brought my family here again. The food is delicious, and the village is beautiful."

Mo says great changes have taken place in his home village, as the local government implements Project "Beautiful Countryside".

MO ZEHAI NANQIANG VILLAGE, BOAO "In the past, the environment here was not so satisfying. It was dirty and messy. But thanks to the project, it's like we're living in a garden now."

The design plans and construction were carried out by a charitable foundation, which insists on keeping the village's old features.

PAN DINGGUO GUOQIANG PUBLIC WELFARE FOUNDATION "This old house is about 80 years old, and was dilapidated. We managed to keep its walls and transformed it into a bed-and-breakfast, combining old features with modern designs."

Nanqiang village is an example of how China is pushing forward a scheme to vitalize the country's vast rural areas.

FU XUANCHAO DIRECTOR, HAINAN PROVINCIAL DEV'T & REFORM COMMISSION "President Xi Jinping pointed out we should build Boao into a place with a pleasant living environment and to keep its natural features. Boao is a window for guests from around the globe to see China's new rural image and development."

Mo's restaurant has just been renovated, and a steady stream of tourists keeps him busy every day. In the near future, this same project is expected to include other villages in the tropical island. HWW, CGTN, BOAO, HAINAN.