After a rainfall, Yucun Village in Anji, Zhejiang, was immersed in greenery with the gentle chirping of cicadas.

On June 3, during a state visit to China, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, made a special trip to the birthplace of the “Two Mountains” concept to experience China’s green development in action.

At the village entrance of Yucun, surrounded by lush greenery and beside a small bridge over flowing water, the words “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” were engraved on a giant stone, shining brightly. Thongloun stopped to gaze at it and took out his phone to capture this spiritual landmark that has guided the village steadfastly on the path of ecological development.

In the Yucun Cultural Hall, Thongloun stepped into the exhibition’s “Time Scroll,” where a grand picture of the “Two Mountains” concept in practice across Zhejiang slowly unfolded.

In front of the “Thousand Village Project” display board, upon learning that this project has been implemented for twenty years, reshaping countless villages and creating numerous beautiful rural areas, Thongloun remarked, “This is truly remarkable. We must learn from it.”

Walking past the scenic village entrance and along the main road, the sign for “Chunlin Mountain Villa” stood out prominently. As the village’s earliest farm stay, it witnessed Yucun’s transformation from “selling stones” to “selling scenery.”

During a tea conversation with the farm stay operator, Thongloun asked detailed questions about the source of funding for starting the business and whether the government offered preferential policies. When he learned that the farm stay now earns over a million yuan annually, Thongloun nodded repeatedly, saying, “This is the truest reflection of ‘Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.'”

On June 3, Thongloun presented Yucun Village with a commemorative plate engraved with the pattern of Laos’ national treasure, That Luang Temple.

At the farewell, warmth and goodwill flowed. Thongloun gifted Yucun a handmade commemorative plate engraved with the pattern of Laos’ national treasure, That Luang Temple, its silver glow conveying wishes for a bright future. In return, Yucun presented a miniature “Two Mountains” stone tablet, encapsulating China’s ecological development wisdom in a small form.

Thongloun then visited the “Xiaoyin · Banri Village” cluster of guesthouses in Anji’s Lingfeng National Tourist Resort. This area, a national model for cluster-style guesthouse villages and a benchmark for new-generation guesthouses, has attracted over a hundred young entrepreneurs and innovators in recent years, achieving annual revenues exceeding 100 million yuan.

Observing the vibrant scene, Thongloun showed great interest in youth employment and entrepreneurship. He praised Anji for using investment attraction and policy guidance to not only bring in external resources but also build a broad platform, effectively addressing the employment issues of returning college graduates and local youth.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Laos, as well as the “China-Laos Friendship Year” jointly initiated by the leaders of both parties and countries. Thongloun expressed his delight in visiting Zhejiang, noting its rich historical culture, strong innovation momentum, and beautiful ecological environment, which gave him a firsthand experience of China’s practical efforts and great achievements in advancing socialist modernization.

Concluding his “Two Mountains” journey, Thongloun will head to Beijing to continue his state visit. He looks forward to using this visit as an opportunity to continuously enhance mutual friendship, promote exchanges and interactions, further strengthen cooperation across various fields, deepen practical outcomes, jointly promote shared prosperity and development, and help the Laos-China comprehensive strategic partnership achieve even more fruitful results.

Yucun Village

Yucun Village, located in Zhejiang Province, China, is widely recognized as the birthplace of the “Two Mountains” theory, which emphasizes that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” Once a small, polluted mining town, the village underwent a remarkable transformation in the early 2000s by shutting down its quarries and restoring its natural environment. Today, Yucun is celebrated as a model of sustainable development and eco-tourism, attracting visitors to its scenic bamboo forests and clean waterways.

Yucun Cultural Hall

Yucun Cultural Hall is a community cultural center located in Yucun Village, Zhejiang Province, China, known for its role in promoting rural cultural heritage and sustainable development. Originally established to preserve local traditions and provide a space for public activities, it has become a symbol of the village’s transformation under China’s “Green Development” initiative, which was inspired by President Xi Jinping’s visit in 2005. The hall now hosts exhibitions, performances, and educational programs that highlight the area’s ecological progress and cultural revival.

Chunlin Mountain Villa

Chunlin Mountain Villa is a historic private garden located in Suzhou, China, originally built during the Qing Dynasty by the wealthy merchant Wang Qisheng. Known for its elegant pavilions, rockeries, and tranquil ponds, the villa reflects the classical Chinese garden design philosophy of harmonizing architecture with nature. Today, it serves as a well-preserved cultural site that offers visitors insight into the refined lifestyle of ancient Chinese literati and the artistry of traditional garden craftsmanship.

That Luang Temple

That Luang Temple, located in Vientiane, Laos, is a sacred Buddhist stupa and a national symbol of Lao sovereignty and religion. Originally built as a Khmer Hindu temple in the 13th century, it was later transformed into a Buddhist site in the 16th century under King Setthathirath, who expanded Vientiane and made the stupa a central religious monument. The temple has undergone several reconstructions due to invasions and damage, most notably from the Siamese in the 19th century, but was fully restored in the 20th century.

Xiaoyin · Banri Village

Xiaoyin · Banri Village is a historic cultural site in Taiwan, known for its well-preserved Japanese-era architecture and tranquil atmosphere. Originally developed during the Japanese colonial period (1895–1945), the area features traditional wooden houses and narrow lanes that reflect a blend of Japanese and local Taiwanese influences. Today, it serves as a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience the nostalgic charm and cultural heritage of early 20th-century Taiwan.

Lingfeng National Tourist Resort

Lingfeng National Tourist Resort, located in Zhejiang Province, China, is a scenic area renowned for its dramatic karst limestone peaks, ancient caves, and lush natural landscapes. Its history dates back over a thousand years, as it has been a site of cultural and religious significance since the Tang and Song dynasties, with many poets and scholars visiting to draw inspiration from its beauty. Today, the resort integrates these natural wonders with modern tourism facilities, offering visitors a blend of historical exploration and outdoor recreation.