Jinan villages build think tank for rural vitalization

A village in Laiwu district showcases its intangible cultural heritage. [Photo by Gao Xiang for chinadaily.com.cn]

Villages in Laiwu district, Jinan, capital of Shandong province, have in recent years employed consultants to provide intellectual support for rural vitalization.

Yuan Zhoushou, a graduate of Tsinghua University from Mashaowan village, and other high-level professionals have been hired as the village's consultants to give advice on tourism development.

With the help of the consultants, the village has renovated its infrastructure to improve rural tourism, said Zhong Weiqing, Party secretary of Mashaowan.

A rural vitalization think tank in Liliangpo, another village, consists of nine consultants, including outstanding entrepreneurs and retired officials, which are expected to leverage their rich experience and wide circle of friends to give counsel to the village's development.

With the help of the think tank, Liliangpo village has built the Shine Muscat Grapery and night markets.

Geng Changshan, a talented individual from Shimiaozi village, hopes to help improve the lives of his fellow villagers. After being hired as a village consultant, Geng established a specialized cooperative with the village to process locally-produced pepper, hawthorn fruits, and peanuts, which generate 100,000 yuan ($14,000) for the village collective per year.

Villages in Laiwu district have employed more than 1,300 consultants, who have made over 6,300 suggestions on local development. (Edited by Gong Jun)