Xinchuan village in Huzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Huzhou News Media Center]

Zhang Tianren, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and Party secretary of Xinchuan village in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, shared the inspiring tale of the village's transformative journey over the past 27 years, during the delegates' passage interviews on March 5.

Zhang recounted how Xinchuan village, nestled in a narrow strip of land between two mountains, underwent three remarkable evolutions.

Facing environmental degradation due to rapid industrialization in the late 1990s, Zhang spearheaded initiatives to revitalize Xinchuan. Against the background of Zhejiang beginning the Green Rural Revival Program, he led efforts to enhance the environment, shut down polluting industries, and introduce sustainable practices. This marked the village's first evolution.

The second evolution came as the beautiful environment attracted high-quality enterprises. Collaborating with Tianneng Group — a company focusing on green energy where Zhang is the chairman, the village saw the establishment of over 80 enterprises, creating a thriving new energy industry chain.

The once-polluted landscape became a scenic haven, drawing tourists and prompting locals to venture into hospitality industries.

The village's third evolution extended to common prosperity as green industries brought in over 1,780 new residents for employment. These individuals, equipped with new skills, returned to uplift the community economically.

By working with other villages, Xinchuan explored innovative development pathways, which emphasize a collective approach to prosperity.

"Promoting common prosperity is what Xinchuan village has always been doing and is also the goal we are striving towards," said Zhang.

By sharing Xinchuan's journey, he aims to inspire global audiences with the message that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.

Editor: Cheng Dengyu