In the tranquil early autumn of Huangtupo Village, nestled in the mountains, raindrops patter against rooftops, creating strings of sparkling droplets that cascade down. The mist shrouding the hills and the fresh air invigorate the senses, presenting a picturesque scene that feels like it’s straight out of a painting.
Located in Shanxi province’s Xinzhou City within the Ke’lin County, Huangtupo Village has undergone significant changes in recent years. Thanks to the joint efforts of the local work team from the Ke’lin County Media Center, the village’s leadership, and the village representatives, the residents have begun to embrace new opportunities for income through “artisan work” and “cultural tourism.”
Once limited by an unvaried economy and poor access, Huangtupo Village has made strides since shedding its label of “deep poverty” in 2019. The pressing question after this milestone became how to leverage rural revitalization to further enhance local livelihoods.
The village opted to pursue a model of integrating agriculture, culture, and tourism. After thorough discussions in 2023, the community decided to establish the “Huangtuqing Barbecue Park,” capitalizing on their natural beauty and pleasant climate as a means to strengthen collective village economies and provide villagers with new revenue sources.
However, funding required for this project proved challenging. To overcome this hurdle, the villagers adopted a self-reliant approach. Kang Laicheng, a skilled carpenter working in Taiyuan, returned to the village at the invitation of local officials to serve as the project manager. Everyone from the work team, village leaders, and local government officials rolled up their sleeves, with some residents volunteering their time and support.
The team leveled the ground, laid paths, constructed wooden cabins, built gazebos, and installed swings. By late June 2024, the barbecue park, characterized by its charming rustic aesthetic, opened its doors. The Ke’lin County Media Center used its expertise to promote the park through engaging short videos.
Unexpectedly, this remote village attracted visitors from cities like Beijing, Tianjin, Taiyuan, and Yulin. Outdoor clubs and academic groups from Tianjin University and Chongqing University began to visit regularly, with weekends often seeing the barbecue park bustling with eager patrons.
“I’ve lived over 70 years, and I’ve never seen so many cars come to our village,” remarked one villager. The park not only generated over 100,000 yuan in revenue but also had a considerable positive impact on local incomes.
With local residents serving as cooks and waitstaff—chefs earning 4,500 yuan, barbecue masters 3,000 yuan, and servers 2,000 yuan—all proceeds benefited the community. Produce from Huangtupo was prioritized, ensuring that local farmers found markets for their goods.
Villager Zhao Tianming has been especially busy lately, splitting his time between selling roasted sweet potatoes in a nearby scenic area and working at the barbecue park. On good days, he rakes in six to seven hundred yuan.
His wife also works at the barbecue venue, and recently they have capitalized on the business to start gathering seabuckthorn berries from the mountains, collectively earning around 50,000 to 60,000 yuan annually.
The influence of the barbecue park extends beyond immediate profits; it has raised the village’s profile, leading to more outdoor club visits and additional income for villagers who act as local guides, earning about 200 yuan per tour.
Behind the joyful atmosphere at the barbecue park lies the unwavering dedication of the work team, village leaders, and local volunteers.
Lei Xia, the team leader and chief representative from the Ke’lin County Media Center, often works as a server at the venue, washing vegetables and dishes as needed. She believes her commitment is vital to meeting the expectations of Huangtupo’s residents.
Meanwhile, Jia Cailan, the deputy director of the center, is set to retire soon but continues to support the park tirelessly, expressing her dedication to the community as a parting gift.
Cui Xin, a local official coordinating with Huangjiagou Village, spends his weekends pitching in at the barbecue park after completing his official duties, willingly sacrificing time off to contribute to the project.
Lastly, Hu Zhijun, the village party secretary and head of the village committee, reflects on his journey from a young worker to a prosperous entrepreneur who returned home in 2017. His pickup truck is frequently borrowed to transport supplies to the park, as he believes in giving back to the community that shaped him.
With a communal spirit and unwavering resolve, Huangtupo Village exemplifies the potential of rural revitalization efforts rooted in collaboration and shared dreams of prosperity.
