Bulenggou's journey from zero to one hundred

When it comes to development and modernization, China stands out with its unique approach. As director of the Global Civilization Initiative Research Center, I was invited by the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to explore the remarkable journey of the country.

My visit aimed to delve into China's extraordinary success in overcoming poverty and transforming marginalized regions into thriving centers of economic growth.

Although I had previously visited major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Wuhan, this visit offered a different image of modernization. In Gansu province, I witnessed a unique balance between technological progress and cultural preservation. Modern buildings and skyscrapers coexist with the colorful mountains and rivers.

This region, once a vital part of the Silk Road, showcases a living tableau of peaceful coexistence, embodying the special Chinese model in which humans, environment and technology are seamlessly integrated.

Our field visit began in Bulenggou village in the Dongxiang autonomous county, about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Lanzhou. On our way to the village, we stopped at a modern livestock farm that has revolutionized the way villagers raise their animals.

Previously, livestock rearing was done individually using primitive methods. Before entering, we had to follow health protocols, including wearing special clothing and passing through a disinfectant spray.

The farm followed a structured approach and maintained impeccable cleanliness. The government provides free vaccinations to all sheep and insures them, compensating farmers in case of loss. A village administration manages the livestock, and an online platform established by the government facilitates direct sales of meat and other products to major cities.

Bulenggou village was an eye-opener. Until 2013, this village symbolized extreme poverty — a mountainous area with no roads or clean drinking water. People relied on collecting rainwater in an underground well for all their needs. Agriculture was minimal due to the rugged terrain and water scarcity. Villagers barely subsisted on crops such as wheat and potatoes, unable to access city markets.

At that time, the annual per capita income of Bulenggou was 1,600 yuan ($220), well below the international poverty line. Houses consisted of two small rooms made of mud, and education was rudimentary, with children learning only basic Chinese in makeshift classrooms.

The turning point came in 2013 when China decided to win the battle against poverty.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, visited this village just a few months after taking office. Despite the rugged terrain and warnings, he insisted on reaching the heart of the people's suffering by bus and on foot.

That visit was not just a political gesture. It embodied the Party's philosophy of transforming ideas into field action to improve people's lives. Xi's message to officials was clear: "Bring in water, build roads and build a sound new countryside."

During the tour, Xi met with a local family. He entered their house and felt the pain of the village people. That house has now become a museum symbolizing China's victory over extreme poverty. Photos show him sitting on the kang with the head of the family and discussing their living conditions. The man Xi met continues to visit his old home, which has been turned into a museum.

Today, Bulenggou village is very different from what it used to be. The new houses are spacious and well equipped, with multiple rooms, a kitchen and storage facilities. Modern amenities such as electricity, paved roads and fresh water are now standard. The presence of a water tap in the courtyard was particularly striking. I used it to wash my face and drink fresh, cool water — a simple but profound symbol of change.

Bulenggou's transformation goes beyond infrastructure. The region's breathtaking natural scenery has turned it into a tourist destination, attracting families in private cars.

Education has been a key focus area.

A group of children greeted us in English when we got off the bus. "Where did you learn to speak English so well?" I asked. "In school," they replied. Children now study up to the ninth grade, learning both Chinese and English. The government covers all education and food costs, and the village is connected to the world via 4G and 5G internet.

Along with learning these two languages, the Dongxiang children maintain their own language in their homes, preserving their cultural identity.

Lunchtime took us to the village restaurant that belongs to the school. Expecting a modest eatery, I was surprised to find a large touristy restaurant bustling with employees. A special hall displayed the village's products, from agricultural goods to handicrafts, for sale to visitors and tourists.

As we departed, the villagers bid us farewell in a beautiful square amid nature, applauding our effort to witness this great Chinese victory over poverty. Despite the changes, they have preserved their traditional clothes and the natural environment of their village.

Men and women shared stories of their struggle with poverty, recounting the hardships in work, road conditions, child-rearing and unemployment.

Officials explained how the government transformed its philosophy into field application.

The transformation of Bulenggou village is aptly described as "from zero to one hundred". The "Great Canyon" tourist road, which connects the village to Lanzhou city and commercial centers, is an engineering marvel. Tunnels through the mountains facilitate the movement of tourists and trucks.

Livestock and agriculture have reached high production levels, with "Dongxiang Mutton" enjoying high demand across China. The latest 5G internet systems are in use, and new schools now teach up to the ninth grade, after which students move, at the government's expense, to complete their secondary and university studies in Lanzhou city. All this has led to all-round prosperity. The annual per capita income has shot up 720 percent from 1,600 yuan in 2013 to 13,120 yuan now.

"From zero to one hundred" is not just a slogan but a testament to the power of strategic planning, political will and a people-centered approach to development. Bulenggou is not just a village, but also a global model proving that poverty can be eradicated through science and equitable policies. As the world seeks to replicate such success, Bulenggou offers invaluable lessons in development and human progress.

The author is director of the Global Civilization Initiative Research Center, located in Iraq's Erbil.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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