Real Time China: Explore Dajidian village

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At the heart of China's ambitious reform and opening up, the policy is the desire to lift the country out of poverty. And though the policy has been a phenomenal success, the Chinese government remains determined to leave no stone unturned, no village has forgotten. I visited Dajidian village to discover how authorities and investors are relying on arts and culture to bring prosperity to rural areas.

Few people either inside or outside of China have ever heard of Dajidian village. And it's easy to understand why. With a population of just over 3,000 people, this small farming village is probably one of China's best-kept secrets. Situated in Baoding City, northern Hebei Province, Dajidian is a unique cultural village. One that is deeply invested in the protection of its historical and cultural relics.

Surrounded by water on four sides, Dajidian village was once a thriving transportation, trade and commerce hub connecting north and south China. But despite its cultural significance, over the years, the village itself remained poor.

The villagers in Dajidian village. /CGTN Photo

Sun Shunxiang, a local craftsman in the village tells us that the roads here used to be so muddy that when it rained, it was impossible to pass. Today he smiles as he considers all the positive changes and developments. “The roads and homes have been rebuilt. The environment, the living standards, and even our cultural literacy have improved,” said Sun.

It's no coincidence that these improvements have coincided. Authorities in Dajidian village intentionally invested in art and history to drive development.

In the last 10 years, Dajidian village has been given new life. Leaning on its own cultural history, developers and investors have transformed Dajidian village into a hub of activity, filled with free cultural sites, local craftsmen and artists and ecological agriculture.

The scenery of Dajidian village. /CGTN Photo

Dajidian's now boasts a modern library, an art gallery, a crafts center and retail developments, to attract visitors. The latest addition to the village is Craftsman Valley and Cultural Innovation Village. Phase one is open to visitors. But once complete it will include a concert hall, artists residences and a hotel.

The developers, Yunxiangju Group, believe in the power of art to drive change. “Through our different projects, villagers have broadened their horizons beyond what they have learned from books,” said Zhan Yanling, general manager of Yunxiangju Group.

The investment in art has created new opportunities for younger generations and has encouraged many to stay in the village rather than move to big cities like Beijing.

“After graduation, I chose to return to stay and work here. I want to contribute my strengths to the development of Dajidian village,” said Sun Yujia, a young local resident.

Yujia is part of the team that manages the annual music festival that takes place in Dajidian village. It is now five years old, but it is hoped that will grow to attract thousands of visitors each year.

In the past, China relied on industry and manufacturing to lift people out of poverty. But Dajidian village is a unique example of what kind of change is possible when a nation invests in its own art, culture, and traditions to transform the lives of its citizens.