Centenary of May Fourth Movement: Young rural returnee sets ambitious guidelines for community

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Upon graduating from college, many young Chinese go on to work for big companies, while others head for rural areas. One young woman you're about to meet left her job at a tech giant and returned home to serve the community, and today is doing so as a party secretary. CGTN's Zhao Yunfei introduces us.

For many experienced elders, community service is second-nature. But this young woman wanted to give it a try since graduating from college five years ago. Cheng Ju returned home here to Dashi Village in central China's Hubei Province, and was later elected party secretary, a leadership position presiding over 1,700 villagers.

The village has worked its way out of poverty. Cheng has brought in some fresh ideas and perspectives, namely how to develop Dashi's tourism industry. She says it starts with infrastructure.

CHENG JU DASHI VILLAGE PARTY SECRETARY "We are constructing a seven meter-wide road for cars and a two meter-wide lane for bicycling."

To achieve that, Cheng says it will take a solid budget. The party secretary welcomes investment in her village.

This shipyard factory in the neighboring village has intentions to move its warehouse to Dashi. Cheng is helping the manager with the process. She hopes the new site will bring job opportunities and a chance to encourage homecoming peers to contribute to the countryside.

ZHAO YUNFEI CHONGYANG COUNTY, HUBEI PROVINCE "More and more young people opt to pursue better opportunities downtown amid the changing tides of urbanization. Thus, the aging countrysides are desperately in need of college graduate elites to take on leadership roles, and help develop the economy."

As a deputy to the National People's Congress, Cheng vowed for some detailed policies at a press briefing during the nation's political gathering, the Two Sessions.

CHENG JU DASHI VILLAGE PARTY SECRETARY "How can we clarify the relevant measures to lure more business talent back home so they can join in the construction of rural revitalization?"

The party secretary is helping entrepreneurs understand some existing beneficial policies. Her commitments have been well-received.

PANG ZILI FORMER DASHI VILLAGE PARTY SECRETARY "An older party secretary may have more experience working with farmers. But Cheng Ju, as a young party secretary, is more open-minded."

CHENG JU DASHI VILLAGE PARTY SECRETARY "These five years working in the countryside have been wonderful. I have encountered all sorts of things. I am glad that my efforts have been recognized. It's all worth it."

Cheng Ju says she is glad she made the right choice at such a pivotal stage of her life. Zhao Yunfei, CGTN, Dashi Village, Hubei Province.