Five years after shedding its official poverty label, Meishu Village in central China reflects the country’s broader efforts to prevent a return to hardship after eliminating absolute poverty. The village, once isolated and constrained by barren land, began its transformation through upgraded infrastructure, improved housing and the creation of new income sources. When Yang Xiaopeng returned home in 2020 to serve as village Party chief, he led residents in identifying sustainable development paths. They chose to cultivate Callicarpa, a medicinal herb that thrives on steep terrain, securing a long-term partnership with a pharmaceutical company. Revenue from the growing industry helped fund a new access road, easing transportation challenges and opening opportunities for further development.
In recent years, Meishu has diversified its economy by developing tourism based on its natural scenery. Camping sites, guesthouses and restaurants now attract increasing numbers of visitors, while projects such as canyon rafting have generated significant income. With expanded herb cultivation and over 300 villagers employed, residents now enjoy improved public spaces, solar-powered lighting, and a renewed sense of hope.
China’s success in lifting nearly 100 million people out of absolute poverty by 2020 raised concerns about long-term sustainability. Anticipating this, the government launched a five-year transition period focused on consolidating gains and advancing rural revitalization. By mid-2025, targeted assistance had reached more than 6 million people at risk of falling back into poverty, while over 30 million workers previously lifted out of poverty secured annual employment. Investments of over 850 billion yuan strengthened infrastructure and public services in formerly impoverished areas, contributing to rising incomes and improved living conditions.
Many regions have developed new engines of growth. Counties lifted out of poverty saw rural per capita disposable income rise significantly, outpacing the national rural average. Specialty industries—ranging from medicinal herbs to manufacturing—now generate a combined value of more than 1.7 trillion yuan. In Guizhou’s Jinping County, a booming goose industry has expanded into meat processing and even badminton shuttlecock production, raising incomes for thousands of families. Meanwhile, Banyan Village in Qinghai has pursued a low-carbon development path through solar power and afforestation, becoming the province’s first zero-carbon village and boosting household earnings through renewable energy dividends.
As the transition period concludes, officials caution that some households and regions remain vulnerable to setbacks due to illness, natural disasters or weak economic foundations. China’s forthcoming 2026–2030 development plan emphasizes the need for continued support, targeted assistance, and strengthened policies for key counties. The goal is to maintain stable funding and resources to ensure that no large-scale return to poverty occurs.
Looking ahead, China aims to build on its poverty-alleviation achievements through long-term mechanisms, development-oriented policies and sustained backing for less developed areas. The broader vision is to ensure that rural residents enjoy steadily improving livelihoods and advance together toward the goals of Chinese modernization.
