Chen Bo, School of Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
In recent years, Pingnan County in Fujian Province has breathed new life into its millennium-old agrarian civilization by transforming dilapidated ancient dwellings into core assets for homestay tourism. This remarkable feat was achieved through a three-dimensional linkage model encompassing “government guidance, market operation, and social participation.”
Protecting and revitalizing traditional villages is a formidable challenge that cannot be surmounted by any single entity. It demands a holistic approach where the government, market forces, and society work in tandem. This “three-in-one” model not only averts the inefficiencies associated with over-reliance on government intervention but also guards against the myopia of unchecked market-driven development. Most importantly, it galvanizes villagers, the “indigenous inhabitants,” to take ownership of their cultural heritage.
First of all, the government’s role has evolved from that of a “manager” to a “facilitator.” Recognizing the significance of traditional village protection, Pingnan County has prioritized it as a “top - priority” project, establishing a coordinated mechanism that unifies efforts across the county. The county has meticulously crafted the “Pingnan County Plan for the Concentrated and Continuous Protection and Utilization of Traditional Villages.” Leveraging the unique resource endowments of each area, it has developed distinctive demonstration zones such as “Longtan-Siping-Qiantou Creative Village Revitalization,” “Xia Di-Qianfengxi-Baiyuan-Xianshan Pasture Farming and Reading Research,” and “Shuangxi-Shoushan Water-friendly and Mountain-close Areas.” This strategic approach ensures that each village retains its unique character, avoiding a one-size-fits-all development model. To drive this initiative forward, 19 district Party committees have been established to catalyze development in surrounding villages. The government has secured substantial funding, including 177 million yuan in special subsidies from national and provincial sources. Moreover, it has innovated cost-reduction models that actively engage villagers in the construction process.
Secondly, the market has transitioned from being an “investor” to an “activator.” By attracting local notables and social capital, the county has infused ancient villages with much - needed funds, technology, and networks. Pingnan County has introduced targeted policies such as “case-by-case discussion” and “supporting the development of creative talents.” These measures have successfully drawn creative professionals and domestic experts to reside in the villages long - term, providing invaluable intellectual support for village development. Financial innovation has also played a crucial role. The county has launched specialized financial products like “Ancient House Loan,” “Creative Industry Loan,” and “Homestay Loan.” These products have disbursed over 22 million yuan in loans, leveraging more than 90 million yuan in additional investment. This has created a virtuous cycle where finance and industry development reinforce each other.
Lastly, society has shifted from being a “bystander” to an active “co-builder.” Village collectives have taken the initiative to store and operate ancient village resources uniformly, effectively transforming “dormant resources” into “active assets.” In Longtan Village, for example, the village committee first leases old houses and then sub - leases them to “new villagers” according to unified standards. This approach not only prevents disputes over private leases but also ensures that villagers share in the developmental gains. The county has also focused on cultivating skilled craftsmen to preserve traditional skills. It has established a builders’ association, registered traditional craftsmen, and conducted skill-enhancement training. To date, over 800 rural craftsmen have been trained, and a team of more than 200 people specializing in the repair of traditional buildings has been formed. This has led to the successful restoration of over 500 buildings, providing local employment for veteran craftsmen and safeguarding traditional craftsmanship.
The true value of the three-dimensional linkage model lies in the synergistic collaboration of the government, market, and society. The government dismantles barriers to resource integration, the market unlocks the economic potential of cultural elements, and society safeguards the humanistic core of rural heritage. This model not only preserves the nostalgic essence of rural life but also forges a closed - loop development path of “protection-activation-sustainable growth.” It offers a vivid and replicable example of how to revitalize rural cultural heritage, ensuring its vibrant continuation in the modern era.
Published on August 21, 2025