“To eliminate poverty and become rich, we have to develop an industry,” 55-year-old Laopu village chief Chen Liaoyuan said firmly outside of the grey-tiled and white-walled office building. “And for us, tourism is the only sustainable way.”

The story of Chen Liaoyuan starts in 2001, when he quit a high-paying job in coastal Guangdong Province and returned to Laopu, his hometown, as a recommended candidate for the village head. In 2016, Chen successfully lifted Laopu out of poverty and was elected a deputy to the 13th National People’s Congress in January 2018.

Laopu was a typical impoverished village in central China’s Dabie mountain range. Like many decaying rural villages that have lost their young labor force to China’s fast industrializing cities, prompting the call by Chinese leaders for the recent “rural revitalization,” it’s hard to see people aged 20 to 55 in Laopu. What's worse, the village’s already scarce arable land is plagued by silt, which prevents grains from absorbing enough water.

Chen Liaoyuan knew attracting industry and investment was the only way to help Laopu develop, but feeling responsible for the village’s natural resources, he believed tourism was the best option. Back in 2006, his idea to develop a rafting tour seemed unrealistic: Not only was there a lack of money, but most villagers hadn’t even heard of rafting.

Chen’s determination and perseverance finally convinced his fellow villagers and investors to jump in, and the success of tourism brought in revenue that has made Laopu a better place.

There is an evident sense of pride when Chen talks about the changes of Laopu, and when asked about how he felt after being elected this year’s NPC deputy, he said he was honored. Calling himself a deputy from the countryside, Chen told CGTN he would advocate for more support for industrial development in rural China.