Villagers in Zuoquan county, north China's Shanxi province, are enthusiastically embracing new opportunities for wealth and prosperity created by the region's flourishing industries.

Aerial photo taken on June 5, 2023, shows a view of Zuoquan county, north China's Shanxi province. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Nestled in the Taihang Mountains, Zuoquan county has been spearheading rural revitalization efforts. Leveraging its stunning mountain scenery, the county has effectively developed an outdoor painting center as a cornerstone of its economic strategy. This center, the largest in northern China, has been instrumental in driving growth in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Since its launch in September, the center has drawn over 150,000 artists and tourists, creating more than 500 job opportunities for local villagers.

Villager Hao Huiming recounts her work experience at a homestay in Zuoquan county, north China's Shanxi province, Nov. 29, 2023. [Photo by Wang Ziteng/China.org.cn]

One such villager, Hao Huiming, now works at a homestay in Zecheng village, Zuoquan county. Having previously worked in another city, Hao returned to her hometown and seized the employment opportunity presented by the local development.

"I am delighted to be working in my hometown, as it allows me to earn a living while taking care of my children," Hao said. She further emphasized that the outdoor painting center has not only spurred the growth of surrounding industries but has also provided job prospects for her fellow villagers.

Villager Wang Yongzhu talks about his work experience and feelings at the outdoor painting center in Zuoquan county, north China's Shanxi province, Nov. 29, 2023. [Photo by Wang Ziteng/China.org.cn]

Villager Wang Yongzhu, a staff member at the outdoor painting center, has plans to renovate his spare houses and transform them into homestays with the assistance from the local government. He noted that the outdoor painting center has brought unexpected income for his family. His son, who currently works in another city, intends to return and contribute to the county's development next year.

In the past, Zuoquan county faced a dwindling workforce as many young individuals left in search of employment opportunities in distant cities. However, the rise of the plein air painting industry has successfully attracted a new generation of young workers.

Villager Lyu Jianan introduces artwork exhibited at the Landscape Art Museum in Zuoquan county, north China's Shanxi province, Nov. 29, 2023. [Photo by Wang Ziteng/China.org.cn]

Lyu Jianan, a 23-year-old employee at the Landscape Art Museum in Zuoquan county, graduated from high school this year. She expressed a deep affinity for the art industry, which drew her to work in her hometown. Lyu is satisfied with the work atmosphere and is enthusiastic about contributing to local development.

Photo taken on Nov. 29, 2023, shows a sheep farm in Zuoquan county, north China's Shanxi province. [Photo by Wang Ziteng/China.org.cn]

In its pursuit of economic prosperity and the well-being of its residents, Zuoquan county has prioritized the sheep industry. With a breeding population of more than 320,000 sheep, the county has involved over 650 households in sheep husbandry. The county has also established a comprehensive, integrated industry chain that includes breeding, processing, sales, forage supply, and organic fertilizer production.

Statistics show that the sheep industry has benefited 1,829 households across 105 villages, including 1,106 households lifted out of poverty. Furthermore, the industry has generated a revenue of 830,000 yuan ($177,000) for 26 village collective economic organizations and provided employment for over 1,500 laborers, resulting in labor income exceeding 18 million yuan.

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