Shandong village creates livable and prosperous rural oasis

Yanzhuang village. [Photo by Kong Lingnan for chinadaily.com.cn]

Yanzhuang village in Yangu county, Shandong province is creating a livable and prosperous rural area.

The village has invested in the construction of the Rural Folk Culture Museum, restoring ancient houses and courtyards from the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911). With 12 indoor and two outdoor exhibition halls showcasing folk cultural artifacts, the village has earned prestigious titles including "Chinese Folk Culture Village" and "Demonstrative Village for National Characteristic Landscape Tourism."

To boost collective income and improve the living environment, Yanzhuang village has developed niche industries, focusing on cultivating black-skinned winter melons, resulting in over 20,000 yuan ($2,803.77) of combined income for farmers and the village collective.

This successful initiative has not only increased income but also transformed neglected areas into thriving melon fields, enhancing the village's overall aesthetic and livability. (Edited by Jiang Ting)