A Moment of Yuanjia Village in Global Rural Governance: An In-Depth Dialogue Between Foreign Diplomats and Rural China

On July 27, diplomats from various countries gathered in Yuanjia Village, Xianyang, Shaanxi, for the "Exploring Xianyang's Practice, Sharing Chinese Wisdom, Empowering Global Revitalization —2026 Diplomats in China · Xianyang International Sharing and Exchange Session on Rural Governance."

The Exchange Session

The year 2026 marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan and serves as a critical juncture for advancing the global sustainable development agenda. Yuanjia Village, a premier model of rural revitalization, has undergone a stunning metamorphosis. Once a "hollow-out village," it now welcomes over 11 million visitors annually, generates tourism revenue exceeding 1.3 billion yuan, and maintains a per capita net income for villagers of over 150,000 yuan. It stands as a vivid testament to the success of China's rural governance.

Diplomats visit Yuanjia Village.

At the exchange session, Wang Chuangzhan, Director of the Yuanjia Village Committee, explained the underlying logic behind the village's sustained prosperity, focusing on three core pillars: cultivating local industries, upholding the collective economy, and advancing villager self-governance.

Diplomats sample Yuanjia Village's specialty Mahua (fried dough twists).

Arlindo do Rosário, Ambassador of Cape Verde to China, shared the challenges and practical experiences of rural development in his own country, expressing a keen interest in deepening cooperation with Xianyang. During the interactive session, Lekoko S. Kenosi, Ambassador of Botswana to China, noted, "The Yuanjia Village model provides an excellent blueprint for addressing the 'hollowing out' of rural communities."

A group photo of diplomats in Yuanjia Village

Since its start in 2007, Yuanjia Village has spent nearly two decades proving that staying rooted in local conditions and relying on the community is the most effective path to rural revitalization. This cross-border dialogue is now bringing China's wealth of experience in rural governance to a broader global stage.