Foreigners praise anti-poverty achievements of mountainous village

The village development is also attributable to the efforts of outsiders. Among them is Liu Su, a doctorate and graduate of City University of Hong Kong, who left his urban home to dedicate himself to the development of the village tourism.

"After hearing the personal story of Dr Liu, I was deeply moved. Instead of embracing a bright prospect in city, and enjoying a warm family life, he chose to sacrifice for the development of Shibadong," said Zeynep Küçük from Turkey.

"This tour let me know that if a country has made the right policies, then everything will get on the right track. The government has built a bridge and provided a platform for people like Dr Liu to make their contribution," he said.

The young foreigners also witnessed the villagers receiving year-end bonus collectively from the profits of kiwi fruit sales.

As part of the anti-poverty efforts, the villagers have become shareholders in various industries, such as Miao embroidery, traditional Chinese medicine and land renting, which bring them revenues.

Saminirina Dinatahina Princia from Madagascar said: "It is the first time I have seen year-end bonus handed out to people in such a massive way. Many elderly women were smiling so happily. Our country is also plagued by problems such as unemployment. I believe many African countries can learn from the experience of Shibadong and improve their peoples' lives."