At dawn in Xuchang Village, Guyang Town, Lankao County, Henan Province, wood shavings fly as melodious sounds of musical instruments fill the air. Guitars, pipas, and other instruments made of paulownia wood are sold domestically and abroad. This once poverty-stricken village of just over 100 households has now seen its ethnic musical instrument processing industry exceed an annual output value of 150 million yuan, with over 90% of families benefiting from this thriving business.

The tall, lush paulownia trees have become a symbol of prosperity, supporting local industry—a vivid reflection of China’s efforts to consolidate and expand poverty alleviation achievements during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

It has been emphasized that “building a modern nation is inseparable from agricultural and rural modernization. We must continue to consolidate poverty alleviation achievements, advance rural revitalization, and improve people’s livelihoods, ensuring greater prospects in the pursuit of agricultural and rural modernization.” Key meetings have also stressed the need to “consolidate and expand poverty alleviation outcomes to prevent large-scale relapse into poverty.”

After securing victory in the fight against poverty, a five-year transition period was established to fully consolidate these achievements and advance comprehensive rural revitalization. Efforts have been intensified across regions and departments, with strengthened policy support to firmly prevent large-scale relapse into poverty.

The per capita disposable income of rural residents in formerly impoverished counties has risen from 12,588 yuan in 2020 to 17,522 yuan in 2024.

Monitoring and Assistance Efficiency—Strengthening the Safety Net to Protect Livelihoods

In Zhaotong, Yunnan—the prefecture-level city with the largest number of formerly impoverished residents—Yang Qingfu’s family faced the risk of falling back into poverty when his wife required major surgery in 2021. After being identified by community workers, assistance measures were swiftly implemented, including a public welfare job for Yang and reduced medical expenses. “It was like timely rain,” Yang said.

Since the transition period began, dynamic monitoring and assistance mechanisms have been continuously improved, enhancing the efficiency of identifying risks and delivering support.

Improving Livelihood Security—Addressing Gaps for Stable Well-Being

“Our village now has a shared canteen, a kindergarten, and a mineral water project underway—life keeps getting better,” said Xie Ruishan, Party branch secretary of Xiatan Village in Ganzhou, Jiangxi, highlighting the transformative impact of targeted assistance.

In 2022, the village’s development plan was approved. By 2024, an innovative model combining mineral water mining rights with collective land-use rights was introduced, generating 4.201 million yuan in revenue.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, guarantees for education, healthcare, housing, and safe drinking water were strengthened, significantly improving living standards. Dropout rates among students from formerly impoverished families remained at zero, while basic medical insurance coverage stayed above 99%.

Enhancing Self-Development—Expanding Industries and Employment for Sustained Prosperity

In Lankao, the story of a “Common Prosperity Workshop” in Nanzhang Town is widely celebrated. “We used to weave baskets for ourselves—now it’s a way to earn income,” said Li Qin, a 70-year-old formerly impoverished resident working there.

By repurposing idle spaces into local workshops, this team—with an average age over 60—produces over 80,000 exquisite woven baskets annually for export.

Today, Lankao has 304 such workshops, employing 23,900 people, including 3,366 formerly impoverished individuals.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, rural industries in formerly impoverished areas flourished, with each county cultivating two to three leading industries generating over 1.7 trillion yuan in total output. Employment opportunities expanded, with over 30 million people working annually for four consecutive years.

As the final year of the five-year transition period approaches, efforts remain focused on enhancing monitoring, industrial and employment support, collaboration, and policy optimization to ensure a successful conclusion.

Xuchang Village

Xuchang Village, located in China, is a traditional rural settlement with a history dating back centuries, reflecting the agricultural heritage and cultural practices of the region. Known for its well-preserved architecture and local customs, the village offers insights into the historical lifestyle of rural communities in central China. While not as widely recognized as major cultural sites, it represents the enduring traditions and simplicity of village life in Chinese history.

Guyang Town

Guyang Town, located in China’s Hebei Province, is a historic area known for its cultural heritage and traditional architecture. It was an important hub during ancient times, particularly under the Ming and Qing dynasties, due to its strategic location along trade routes. Today, Guyang preserves its historical charm with well-maintained landmarks, temples, and old streets that reflect its rich past.

Lankao County

Lankao County, located in Henan Province, China, is a historically significant area known for its association with Jiao Yulu, a revered Communist Party secretary who worked tirelessly to combat poverty and improve local conditions in the 1960s. The county is part of the Yellow River floodplain and has a long agricultural history, though it once struggled with sandstorms and flooding. Today, it serves as a model for governance and rural development, with memorials and educational sites dedicated to Jiao Yulu’s legacy.

Henan Province

Henan Province, located in central China, is one of the country’s oldest and most historically significant regions, often called the “Cradle of Chinese Civilization.” It was the heartland of ancient dynasties, including the Xia (2070–1600 BCE) and Shang (1600–1046 BCE), and home to four of China’s Eight Great Ancient Capitals, such as Luoyang and Kaifeng. Today, Henan is renowned for cultural landmarks like the Shaolin Temple (birthplace of Kung Fu) and the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of Buddhist carvings.

Zhaotong

Zhaotong is a prefecture-level city in northeastern Yunnan Province, China, known for its rugged terrain and rich cultural heritage. Historically, it was an important hub along the ancient Southern Silk Road, facilitating trade between China and Southeast Asia. The region is also notable for its ethnic diversity, including the Yi and Miao peoples, and its role in revolutionary history during the early 20th century.

Yunnan

Yunnan is a diverse and culturally rich province in southwestern China, known for its stunning landscapes, ethnic diversity, and historical significance. It was a key part of the ancient Southern Silk Road and is home to 25 ethnic minority groups, each with unique traditions. Notable sites include the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Lijiang, the Stone Forest, and the terraced fields of Yuanyang, reflecting its blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Xiatan Village

Xiatan Village is a traditional Hakka village located in Fujian Province, China, known for its well-preserved tulou (earthen buildings). These circular or rectangular structures, built between the 12th and 20th centuries, were designed for communal living and defense. The village reflects the unique culture and history of the Hakka people, who migrated to the region centuries ago. Today, it is part of the UNESCO-listed Fujian Tulou sites.

Ganzhou

Ganzhou is a historic city in southern Jiangxi Province, China, known for its rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. It served as a crucial hub along the ancient Maritime Silk Road and boasts landmarks like the Ganzhou Ancient Wall, dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Today, it is celebrated for its Hakka culture and as the “Home of the Gan River.”