Chinese Researcher Reviews China’s Rural Development

By: Nour El-Hoda Foad

CAIRO, Dec. 5 (SEE)- Dr. Li Mingchuan, vice president of China's Sichuan Province delivered a lecture at the Supreme Council of Culture entitled "Chinese Model in Cultural Development and Rural Rejuvenation.”

This came within the framework of the program of cultural dialogue organized by the council that offers lectures to guests of different nationalities delivered by pioneering intellects.

In the course of his lecture, Li gave an explanation to the revival of communities based on rural interest, which is the original cultural and historical element in every society post the industrial revolution. He went over the transformation of civilized development from agriculture, which linked the development of the city to the deterioration of rural villages.

“The fleeing of peasants from countryside has negatively affected both rural and urban areas. Deserted lands increased in the countryside while the rate of unemployment, pollution and housing shortage has replicated in the city,” noted Li. “This is the case in England, which forced its peasants to work in industry, as well as Brazil after independence.”

However, the countryside has a more complex infrastructure and appealing scenery than the city because of the trees and green spaces that embrace the living areas. “Artists, specifically, lean towards rural areas as the environment there aids in inspiration due to the rich local culture.”

Li reviewed a number of China's leading models in achieving that development strategy including ‘Yan Yangshua,’ who transformed a village that was suffering from poverty, disease and ignorance in 1932. “He was keen to educate farmers the art of theatrical performance besides complementary industries and trade.”

Yangshua also established telephone lines, which was extraordinary then, and this village later became a central area within its four neighboring zones.

In fact, China’s ruling communist party implemented a developing program amidst its openness era that targeted mingling rural areas with cities to preserve cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Li pointed out that the fine weather of Cairo attracts displaced peasants. “Egypt should pay attention to the countryside, so that the village becomes a small, integrated and growing society without the dependence of its residents on the city.”