Youth redefine local heritage in 2025
As 2025 closes, China's youth continue to redefine the nation's future, reviving traditions while crafting new cultural narratives across regions.
Hubei
Young people in Xinghua village, Danjiangkou, Hubei province, are sparking new momentum by combining ecological resources with youth-driven innovation.
The village once struggled with population decline and outdated infrastructure, but it has reinvented itself as a rural tourism destination. This transformation has been made possible through the collective efforts of grassroots leaders, returning young entrepreneurs, and local residents.
Wei Mingjun, one of these entrepreneurs, started an e-commerce business that promotes local specialties — such as apricots and kiwis — through short videos. His business highlights the growing role of digital platforms in expanding the village's reach.
"I hope to help share our high-quality farm products and beautiful scenery beyond the mountains," he said.
Meanwhile, Zhang Xingxing, deputy secretary of the village Party branch, played a crucial role in turning idle houses into a cluster of homestays.
These efforts are paying off. As Chen Meimei, a young tourist, noted, immersive experiences like nighttime flower-viewing walks and traditional costume photography offer more than just picturesque scenery — they reveal a vibrant countryside where the story of revitalization is unfolding.
