Anji’s New Roots
In the heart of Anji, where the bamboo sea sways in the wind, lies Yucun Village—a serene blend of earth, sky, and centuries-old traditions.The story begins 20 years ago when Xi Jinping, then the secretary of the CPC Zhejiang provincial committee, expressed his vision for the future prosperity of the severely degraded Anji County in southeastern China. Jinping was seated in a small hall in Yucun Village, part of Tianhuangping Town.During his August 2005 visit to Anji, Xi Jinping introduced a new developmental model aimed at benefiting the local population.
He emphasized that the community would thrive through harmony with ecological civilization.With his concept that “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,” the CPC leadership in the area achieved remarkable success through this philosophy. The village committee and party branch embraced their leaders’ vision and worked diligently to create a more harmonious, green, and vibrant community.
The 280-household settlement spans 348 hectares of bamboo forest and 39 hectares of rice fields, now reaping profits from environmentally sustainable business ventures.In 2024, the region generated 22 million RMB and recorded a per capita income of 74,000 RMB for villagers.Yucun Village has also attracted 1.2 million tourists eager to witness Anji’s unique growth story, earning recognition from the United Nations Tourism Organization as the Best Tourism Village.As they embark on a new journey, the people of Yucun remain committed to upholding Xi Jinping’s important instructions and aspirations. They are dedicated to the belief that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,” focusing on building a modern, high-standard, internationally recognized Yucun.With unwavering dedication to high-quality and sustainable development, they continually strive to transform ecological benefits into economic and social gains, pursuing comprehensive progress in the rural economy, eco-environment, governance, culture, rule of law, and Party building—thus following a distinctly Chinese path to rural modernization.
Bamboo Innovation – Anji’s Green RevolutionIn the heart of China’s bamboo kingdom, Anji County, a quiet revolution is taking root. Here, amidst towering groves of bamboo, innovation meets sustainability at the Anji Exhibition Center for Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic—a pioneering hub where nature’s oldest resource becomes the future’s most promising solution.Located in Dazhu Garden Village of Lingfeng Subdistrict and operated by Anji Agricultural Investment Hi-tech Group Co., Ltd., the Anji Exhibition Center serves as the core platform for the regional public brand “Anji Premium Products.” The center provides an integrated venue that combines displays of bamboo-based alternatives to plastics, showcases of local agricultural specialties, a digital agriculture management platform, and e-commerce operations.
Bamboo is more than just a plant; it’s a versatile alternative to plastic. At this groundbreaking center, bamboo is transformed into everyday essentials—cutlery, packaging, fabrics, and more—each item a testament to sustainability.But this center is more than a showcase—it’s an educational beacon. Bamboo’s environmental benefits are undeniable: it grows rapidly, absorbs carbon, and returns harmlessly to the earth. Here, visitors learn how choosing bamboo over plastic can reduce waste, combat pollution, and protect ecosystems for generations to come.
From forest to factory and from local tradition to global innovation—Anji’s bamboo story is one of hope, demonstrating that sustainability and progress can grow side by side.White Tea Cultural and Creative ComplexNestled in the lush, tea-covered hills of Anji County, the Anji White Tea Cultural and Creative Complex is transforming the region into a global hub for tea culture, creative design, and sustainable tourism. With a staggering investment of 6 billion RMB and spanning 533 hectares, this ambitious decade-long project (2020–2030) is redefining the future of China’s renowned white tea industry.Located in Xilong Township, the heart of Anji white tea production, the complex is more than just an industrial park; it’s a living ecosystem where agriculture, design, and digital innovation converge.
The project is organized into five key zones:Charming Tea Town – A picturesque district blending traditional tea culture with modern commerce.Creative Tea Valley – A hotspot for designers and artists crafting tea-inspired products.Vibrant Tea Village – A dynamic space celebrating rural revitalization and community life.The remaining two zones, Romantic Water Town and China Anji White Tea City (Phase II), feature an expanded marketplace for tea trade and innovation.Since its launch in 2020, the complex has already made significant strides. Digital Nomad Anji (DNA), China’s first comprehensive park for remote workers, has attracted freelancers, startups, and tech professionals who seek to blend work with the tranquility of tea country.Another achievement is the White Tea Living Room & Anji Creative Design Center (ACDC), which now hosts over 20 companies specializing in tea packaging, branding, and product development.The Eco-Tea Garden Viewing Platform & “Cottage Beneath the Trees” has also been successfully established.Beyond commerce, the complex serves as a blueprint for sustainable rural development.
By merging agriculture with creative industries and digital nomadism, it offers a new economic model for China’s countryside.”We’re not just building a tea park—we’re creating a lifestyle where tradition and modernity coexist,” says a project spokesperson. “From farmers to designers to remote workers, this is a place where everyone can thrive.”As the Anji White Tea Cultural and Creative Complex continues to grow, it’s clear: the future of tea lies not only in the leaves but also in the culture, creativity, and community it inspires.From Mines to Dreams: The Deep Blue X TransformationAnji—a name once synonymous with mining, its landscape scarred by decades of industrial activity. Today, however, the story is different.What was once an abandoned mine has been reborn as a breathtaking destination, transformed in just 18 days.
The Deep Blue X project is a vision brought to life by a team of ambitious university students, aiming to turn ecological scars into something extraordinary.At the site, the leadership of Deep Blue X reported to Capital that the company continues to achieve new successes and develop dynamic tourist attractions.A staggering 8,800 cups of coffee sold in a single day serves as proof that innovation and determination can rewrite history.As the current president noted, the area has attracted a significant number of tourists, including many Chinese nationals. President Xi Jinping remarked 20 years ago that the ecological potential of Anji would be a major source of revenue. Since becoming president of the rapidly developing nation in 2013, he has played a key role in the promising green revolution that has seen China make substantial progress over the past decade.His vision began to take shape even before he assumed the presidency, with Anji’s progress serving as a prime example.”Transforming scars into paradise requires visionary leadership, unwavering effort from local authorities, and the courage of a community willing to embrace change,” remarked visitors to the eastern Chinese county of Anji in Zhejiang province. Anji’s narrative has shifted from what was extracted from the earth to what has been restored.
The post Anji’s New Roots appeared first on Capital Newspaper.
Crédito: Link de origem