In eastern Zhejiang, immortality beckons

In 2022, the village welcomed more than 590,000 tourists, and per capita disposable income of residents increased to 29,027 yuan. In 2010, the per capita income was only 5,020 yuan.

Chen Jinwei, a resident whose family owns a homestay in Xiaye, said they earn about 300,000 yuan annually.

"We used to run a food stall in Shanghai," Chen said, "and the highest annual income for us was no more than 100,000 yuan despite having to work long hours."

After 15 years in the city, Chen decided to return to Xiaye in 2010, when Xianju began to renovate and build new houses for rural residents, including Xiaye village.

"Now I can take care of my children, parents and fields, and live a much more comfortable life," he said.