Young countryside returner sets ambitious guidelines for community

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For many experienced elders, community service is their second nature. But 29-year-old Cheng Ju wanted to give it a try. She left her job at a tech giant and returned home to serve the community five years ago.

Cheng returned home to Dashi Village in central China's Hubei Province, and was later elected as the secretary of the village's committee of the Communist Party of China, a leadership position serving 428 households and 1,716 people.

The village had worked its way out of poverty. Cheng brought in some fresh ideas and perspectives to develop the local tourism industry. She said it starts with infrastructure.

"We are constructing a seven-meter-wide road for cars and a two meter-wide lane for bicycling," Cheng told CGTN.

A road is being constructed in Dashi Village, central China's Hubei Province. Party secretary Cheng Ju hopes it could bring more tourists to the village. /CGTN Photo

Cheng thought the road project needed a solid budget. The party secretary welcomes investment to her village. She hoped such new projects could bring job opportunities, and a chance to encourage her fellow townsfolk back from urban areas to contribute to their hometown.

More and more young people opt to pursue better opportunities downtown amid the changing tides of urbanization. Thus, the aging countryside is 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.

"We should clarify the relevant measures to lure more business talent back home so they can join in the construction of rural revitalization," Cheng said at a Deputy Corridor during the Two Sessions in March this year.

Cheng Ju is consulting with a visiting group of investors. /CGTN Photo

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

"An older party secretary may have more experience working with farmers. But Cheng Ju, as a young party secretary, is more open-minded," said Pang Zili, Dashi Village's former 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 said.

Cheng Ju said she is glad she made the right choice at such a pivotal stage of her life.