Exploring Jinchang’s Beautiful and Harmonious Countryside: Discovering Integrated Urban-Rural Development Along the Silk Road

On June 25, participants in the “Silk Road IP, Opportunities in China” International Online Communication Campaign visited Chenjiagou Village, Shuangwan Town, Jinchang City. International experience ambassadors from Russia, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and other countries strolled through the village’s streets and lanes, gaining an immersive look at how integrated urban-rural development is driving rural revitalization across the Hexi Corridor.

International experience ambassadors pose for a group photo in Chenjiagou Village, Shuangwan Town, Jinchuan District, Jinchang City

Photo by Chai Zhijie

In recent years, Chenjiagou Village has advanced its integrated urban-rural development plan by significantly improving local living conditions. Public infrastructure projects—including household natural gas connections, centralized heating, rainwater and sewage pipeline networks, and streetscape improvements—have enhanced public services and made daily life more comfortable for local residents.

The ambassadors visited village homes and were impressed by the clean, well-maintained living environment. Traditional northwestern Chinese farmhouse stoves and the distinctive interior furnishings offered a glimpse into local rural life. Jim from Pakistan remarked that city life can be stressful, while the village’s peaceful atmosphere offers visitors a welcome chance to unwind.

International experience ambassadors greet and chat with villagers. Photo by Chai Zhijie

Taking advantage of its proximity to the city and its favorable natural environment, the village has developed the Xingxiangyuan Apricot-picking Corridor along a local road, promoting the integrated development of agriculture, culture, and tourism. Laden with ripe fruit, the apricot orchard was filled with a sweet fragrance. After picking and tasting the fresh apricots, Russian experience ambassador Anna Yuschenko praised their sweetness and rich flavor, giving them her highest rating.

International experience ambassadors pick apricots at the Xingxiangyuan Apricot-picking Corridor. Photo by Chai Zhijie

The group also visited the village’s handmade steamed bun workshop to experience the making of traditional Hexi-style wheat-based foods. Under the guidance of a local artisan, Jim personally kneaded dough and shaped lujiezi, a traditional baked bread unique to the region. After sampling local specialties such as shanshanzi (fan-shaped buns) and juanjuanzi (rolled buns), he described the local wheat-based foods as both healthy and delicious.

International experience ambassador Jim from Pakistan tries making steamed buns. Photo by Chai Zhijie

Modern infrastructure, thriving industries that help increase incomes, and an authentic rural way of life together illustrate Chenjiagou Village’s achievements in rural revitalization. For the international experience ambassadors, the visit offered a vivid glimpse of the dynamic development taking place in rural communities along the Silk Road.