China is experimenting with a number of inclusive financing activities to lift locals out of poverty. And certain practices have received recognition from the World Bank. Our reporter Ming Tian headed to Yijun county in Shaanxi province to find out more about these initiatives.

Located in central Shaanxi Province, Yijun county covers an area larger than New York city, but only has a population of 100-thousand.

Ridges and hills have made it difficult for people to travel, hindering the city's economic power. The average income per person here is only 70 percent of the national average.

In the Pengzhen village, Qiang Wenping used to be a truck driver. But a leg injury six years ago made it impossible for him to return to his job.

He took a loan to raise poultry, but found it difficult to pay it off as he was injured.

QIANG WENPING, FARMER PENGZHEN VILLAGE "I borrowed 28-thousand yuan to raise chicks. The loan matured in a year's time, and I could not pay back the amount, as I was on walking stick at the time and could not earn enough."

The default put Qiang at a disadvantaged position to ask for further credit, crippling his capability of doing other businesses.

But his life buoy came in the form of new financial regulations, which examined a slew of barometers, from his personal development, to business conditions, and family matters, and even his credit levels. 

QIANG WENPING, FARMER PENGZHEN VILLAGE "Now my ratings are four-star, which means I am allowed to borrow up to 50 thousand yuan. I expanded my business and paid back my loans last year. Now I can pay for my kids' school."

Government data shows 542 households in Yijun county have restored their credit levels, and received over 19 million yuan of fresh lending.

This re-evaluation was made possible through the joint efforts of various parties, such as banks, financial regulators, and the local government.

The campaign was first initiated by the Chinese central bank in 2002. Officials say they have now established a comprehensive program, featuring convenience, innovative service, and finance literacy.

BAI HEXIANG, GOVERNOR PEOPLE'S BANK OF CHINA XI'AN BRANCH "The model includes policy favors information and financial services people can use. We also motivated financial agencies to develop more products suitable for the poor and disadvantaged. We also built different facilities, including ATM, Point Of Sales machines, and service centers to meet local people's financial demand."

There are several basic financing products at service centers, including cash wiring and transfer. Villagers can also pay their utilities bills, social securities, and even pick up the parcels they bought online. And financial authorities have gone the distance for small groups of people in faraway places.

MING TIAN MAQIANYAO VILLAGE "In a remote village like Maqianyao village, where there are only 105 households, people are growing apples, corn and walnuts in an old-fashioned labor intensive way. But they are getting financial services via modern technology."

Zhao Taishun is busy packing up his produce -- walnuts. But at the same time, he's using his mobile phone to receive bank loans and pay his employees.

ZHAO TAISHUN, BUSINESS OWNER MAQIANYAO VILLAGE "Farmers don't have mobile banking services, but they have their banking cards. I would transfer their salary into their cards, and they can go to the service center in the village to withdraw the money. It is very convenient this way."

The local government has spoken highly of the program, saying it has changed the peoples' mind and fortune.

CAO QUANHU, MAYOR YIJUN COUNTY "In the past, our people would only recognize cash when dealers come. They would even withdraw the money and see it for themselves, after dealers wired the deposits to their accounts. Thanks to financial education, they have more financial knowledge now, and believe the figures in their bank accounts are the actual money they receive. Business has become faster, and more convenient."

The county may reflect more of its financial influence on the global stage. Yijun model has drawn attention from the World Bank, which has selected Yijun to carry out the pilot program for its Financial Inclusion Global Initiative. Officials say they expect the World Bank and the Chinese government to work out specific cooperation next year. MT, CGTN, YIJUN COUNTY, SHAANXI PROVINCE.