Students snap villagers to record rural lives

Optimistic outlook

The villagers have so much valuable life experience, he said, and although life has dealt them heavy blows, they remain optimistic and embrace every day with high spirits. He added that their wisdom and life philosophy had influenced him.

Although still new to the village, he has basically learned the local dialect, helped obtain government funding to build a concrete road and a greening project, and organized a small concert to spice up people's lives, he said.

These villages are in desperate need of young people who can bring new ideas to contribute to rural vitalization, he said, adding that tourism may be the key to achieving rural vitalization in Nihegou because the land is not as fertile as before, and it is not feasible to develop manufacturing industry in the isolated spot.

To attract tourists, local officials have hung villagers' portraits and scenic photos on a wall, and are building several homestays and collecting information to help develop a village history hall.

"The original inspiration for me to become a government official was to change people's lives. I am doing it in this village every day," Zhao said.

Contact the writer at zoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn