Foreigners explore rural revitalization in Ningbo
A group of foreign guests from countries including Ukraine, Russia, the United States, Canada, Australia, France, Uzbekistan and Colombia visits Gejia village in Ninghai county, East China's Zhejiang province on July 26. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
"Gejia village is one of the most typical Chinese villages I've seen, but it is also unique, as the villagers love their hometown and have learned how to dress it up," said Xue Taluo (Chinese name) from Ukraine.
Xue made the remarks after a tour to the village on July 26 with other foreign guests from countries including Russia, the United States, Canada, Australia, France, Uzbekistan and Colombia. The group explored how the village is seeking rural revitalization via art.
Situated in Ninghai county, East China's Zhejiang province, Gejia village has taken on a completely new look after an art design campaign initiated last April by Cong Zhiqiang, an associate art professor at Renmin University of China in Beijing.
Local villagers were encouraged to renovate their surroundings using art. Almost all decorations in the village were made by the residents themselves, including flower pots, benches, lamps and pavilions. Now, the village has since emerged as a popular rural tourism destination.