Rural revitalization is a critical component of the Chinese government’s 2020-2025 work plan. The overarching aim of rural revitalization is to make China, a still largely traditional agricultural country, into “a modern, socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious” by 2049. As China is at a historical juncture of moving toward its second centenary goal, the Chinese central authorities seek to achieve this by consolidating the achievements of poverty alleviation and pushing for the modernization of the agricultural sectors and rural areas, as demonstrated by recent plans and announcements put forward by the Chinese central government.

President Xi Jinping first spoke in 2017 of “implementing the strategy of rural revitalization” and promoting an integrated urban-rural development during the 19th National Party Congress. Since then, the strategy has appeared as a critical focus of many of the policies and plans of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). For instance, in 2018, the Central Committee and the State Council issued the 2018-2022 Strategic Planning for Revitalization of Rural Areas. Following this, the National Rural Revitalization Bureau was built to replace the Poverty Alleviation Office in February 2021. The bureau seeks to continue improving the livelihood of rural people.

The rural revitalization strategy was also a significant focus at the recent Central Rural Work Conference in December 2021. These conferences set out agricultural and rural development plans and tasks related to “the three rurals” (三农) (agriculture, rural areas, and farmers) for the coming year. Last year’s conference, led by Xi and bringing together officials from agricultural and rural authorities nationwide, also highlighted the necessity of encouraging rural revitalization. China shifted its focus from rural work to overall rural revitalization to benefit both the environment and the people. These plans include, for instance, promoting the socioeconomic development of the countryside as well as encouraging the development of secondary and tertiary industries in rural areas.

At the same time, the rural revitalization strategy aims to promote the sustainable development of the countryside, including creating a robust rural economy.