“High-quality Yimeng Chestnuts” Area in Shandong’s Linshu Explores Rural Revitalization

LINYI, China, Dec. 12, 2024 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

In Shawo Village, Qingyun Town, Linshu County, one can witness a harmonious blend of distinctive rural architecture, elegant courtyards, well-paved asphalt roads, culturally vibrant streets, and chestnut trees swaying gently in the breeze. Together, these elements create a picturesque scene of rural revitalization.

This is “High-quality Yimeng Chestnuts” area, a demonstration project emerging from Linshu County’s “Hundred and Thousand Projects.” The area is situated along the Shuhe River in Qingyun Town and includes 12 natural villages, such as Shawo Village, covering a total area of 39.7 square kilometers.

The area has integrated various funding resources, revitalized 22,000 mu of land, developed over 10 cross-village projects, and established a joint venture company. It has also acquired idle residential land, initiated cultural product processing projects, and developed three premium rural tourism routes: Jintan Chestnut Sea Excursion Route, Willow Weaving Culture Youth Study Route, and Yilong Flower Sea Tourist Route. These initiatives have promoted the collaborative development of surrounding branded villages, such as Liuzhuang Historical Cultural Village and Xizhucui Ecological Village. In terms of specific operations, the Licheng Cultural Tourism Group has invested in these projects, operated by the Linshu Youth Rural Innovation Association professionally. They have transformed 2,000 mu of chestnut orchards, 14 vacant courtyards, and an old school covering over 10 mu into various service centers, including a comprehensive community service center, a rural innovation hub, and a joint development platform for community welfare. New business models, such as the Youth Creation Base, 26°C Water Station Cafe, and Molin Campsite, have been established, generating an annual revenue of 100 million yuan.

During the development process, the county introduced the concept of “co-creation” to enhance social governance. This year alone, 80 community needs have been implemented, 42 “Siyan talents” have connected the upstream and downstream of the chestnut industry chain, over 70 mediators have resolved more than 100 disputes, and 130 community members have participated in the entire construction process of the area, ensuring full participation, shared benefits, and collaborative governance.