Advancing Rural Revitalization in Henan: From Targeted Breakthroughs to Comprehensive Enhancements

From “Single Point Breakthrough” to “Comprehensive Improvement” – Promoting Rural Revitalization in the Henan Region

On a busy May day in Central China, visitors flock to the vegetable industrial park in Shizhuang Village, Huaiyang District, Zhoukou City, Henan Province. With baskets in hand, they navigate through greenhouses to pick fresh vegetables. Liu Qian, who returned to her hometown after working in Shanghai, has contracted 11 greenhouses this year. “With this batch of vegetables, the retail and wholesale sales can generate an income of 700,000 yuan!” Liu is optimistic.

This confidence stems from the changes brought about by the regional promotion of rural revitalization in Henan. Huaiyang District has established a pilot zone for building a livable and workable countryside, incorporating 67 villages into its regional planning. The district has invested in high-standard modern vegetable greenhouses, which are leased to villagers at low prices. Over the past year, industry has begun to show significant advantages in aggregation. Riding this trend, Shizhuang Village has constructed 22 new greenhouses this year.

During his visit to Henan in May 2025, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of “strengthening the protection and construction of arable land, shouldering the responsibility for food security, extending the modern agricultural industrial chain, promoting comprehensive rural revitalization through urban-rural integration, and advancing common prosperity for both urban and rural areas.” The 14th Five-Year Plan outlines “learning from the ‘Ten Million Project’ experience to promote rural revitalization in an orderly manner by region.”

Henan Province has over 45,000 administrative villages, with an average population of less than 900 per village. In the first year of the 14th Five-Year Plan, Henan has deeply implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions by issuing guidance on orderly regional promotion of rural revitalization. This includes adding 19 new pilot zones to the existing 16 livable and workable countryside pilot zones to be established by 2025.

Planning leads the way, integrating and coordinating resources to form a pattern of regional group development.

One weekend, Li Chaoming and his family from Luoyang visited the Luhun Lake in Song County. Initially planning to have a meal at a farmhouse, they ended up staying for two days: the child wanted to visit an amusement park, the wife was interested in a baking café experience, while Li himself wanted to camp overnight at the campsite. “With diverse projects and upgraded services, all regions and departments are actively engaging in educational initiatives – striving to address the urgent and difficult issues faced by the masses (establishing and practicing the correct view of achievements).

Since the launch of the educational initiative to establish and practice the correct view of achievements, various regions and departments have adhered to high standards in planning and quality in implementation. They have integrated learning, investigation, and improvement, working earnestly to solve the pressing issues faced by the masses, using tangible results in development and benefits to assess the outcomes of the educational initiative.

Theoretical Armament

Tianjin’s Hedong District insists on strengthening theoretical armament as a key task throughout the educational initiative. The district’s standing committee has led the study of “Xi Jinping’s Excerpts on Establishing and Practicing the Correct View of Achievements,” with various party organizations engaging in discussions based on their actual situations. The district’s party school also organized discussions on this theme to guide party members to consciously enhance their party spirit and improve ideological awareness.

To promote deep learning of the educational initiative, Yiyang City in Hunan Province has leveraged the “Youth Thinking Sharing” learning exchange activities, focusing on enhancing theoretical understanding and resonance among party members. This aims to establish a comprehensive theoretical learning system that covers all areas, utilizing plain language and vivid examples to explain theories and policies, encouraging young and middle-aged cadres to establish a correct view of achievements and strive for practical action, injecting strong momentum into high-quality economic and social development.

Baixiang County in Xingtai City, Hebei Province, is enhancing learning through various formats, including reading classes, theoretical study center groups, “Three Meetings and One Lesson,” and themed party days to internalize the correct view of achievements and externalize it in action. They implement tailored policies for mobile and retired party members, flexibly organizing learning sessions. Additionally, they utilize both positive and negative examples to establish value benchmarks and inspire motivation while using negative examples to sound alarms, delineate boundaries, and promote a positive atmosphere, ensuring the effectiveness of the educational initiative.

Identifying Problems and Taking Concrete Action

It is more effective to seek answers in the grassroots than to brainstorm in the office. In Jiangsu Province, party members from city and county levels have left their offices to delve into communities, rural areas, enterprises, and project sites.

On May 8, 2024, Premier Li Qiang signed a State Council order to announce the revised “Implementation Regulations of the Administrative Review Law of the People’s Republic of China,” which will take effect on July 1, 2026.

The regulations aim to refine relevant provisions of the Administrative Review Law, improve the administrative review system, effectively resolve administrative disputes, protect the legal rights and interests of citizens, legal persons, and other organizations, and create a law-based business environment. This document comprises eight chapters and 77 articles, with the main revisions as follows:

1. Clarifying Overall Requirements: Administrative review agencies are required to conduct comprehensive reviews of the legality and appropriateness of administrative actions. The responsibilities of administrative review agencies and institutions are clearly defined, and support for their lawful mediation is mandated.

2. Detailing Application Regulations: Specific circumstances under which administrative review applications can be submitted are detailed, clarifying how to identify applicants and respondents. The time limits for administrative review applications related to the failure of administrative agencies to fulfill legal responsibilities are specified.

3. Improving Administrative Review Case Handling: The procedures for respondents to self-correct unlawful administrative acts are delineated. The composition and responsibilities of administrative review committees are outlined, along with the specific circumstances and procedures for higher-level review.

4. Strengthening Guidance and Supervision: It is established that local governments at or above the county level must create a sound responsibility system for administrative review work. This regulation emphasizes the importance of accountability in administrative review practices.

On May 8, 2024, Ding Xuexiang, during his research into basic research, emphasized the need to deeply implement the spirit of the symposium on strengthening basic research and comprehensively enhance the level of basic research and original innovation capabilities.

Recently, Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, conducted research on basic research in Fujian, Shanghai, and Beijing. He pointed out that General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech at the symposium on strengthening basic research called for further solidifying the foundation for building a strong science and technology nation. There is a need to comprehensively enhance the level of basic research and original innovation capabilities, leveraging the advantages of a new type of national system.

Ding visited the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Huairou National Laboratory to understand the progress in original innovation and key core technology breakthroughs. He emphasized that to build a strong science and technology nation, basic research must be prioritized. It is essential to adhere to the “four orientations” strategy, optimize the layout of basic research, and focus on key directions and areas to strengthen original and disruptive innovation, facilitating mutual advancement of scientific discovery and technological invention.

High-level research universities are the mainstay of basic research and talent cultivation. Ding visited Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he stressed the importance of promoting the integrated development of education, technology, and talent, strengthening the construction of basic disciplines, and supporting young scientific personnel to take on significant responsibilities. He highlighted the need to carry forward the spirit of the “Two Bombs and One Satellite” generation to inspire and motivate scientific personnel to take on national missions and strive for scientific excellence.

In the realm of vocational education, how to enhance its attractiveness?

As the spring recruitment season for higher vocational colleges commences, in Hunan Province, the enrollment ratio for the Big Data and Accounting program at Changsha Business and Trade Vocational Technical College has reached 440%. In Guangdong, the admission scores for Shenzhen Polytechnic have also risen sharply. Despite the growing attention on vocational education, concerns remain: enrolling in a vocational school is often seen as a last resort. Can one truly acquire the skills needed by industries? What are the career prospects? How can the attractiveness of vocational education be enhanced? An interview with a relevant official from the Ministry of Education’s Department of Vocational Education and Adult Education sheds light on these concerns.

Can skills keep pace with industrial development?

Readers are concerned that vocational schools may lag in adjusting their programs, leading to graduates being ill-prepared for industry demands. However, there is a growing consensus that vocational education must align its curriculum with economic and social development.

“The professional catalogue is adjusted annually, with a focus on introducing new programs,” the official explained. In the past five years, 143 new programs have been added, with 12,000 new professional points established. Notably, 50% of these programs are in engineering and technology, with an annual adjustment rate of about 10%.

What do these new programs look like? Changchun Vocational Technical University has established an Integrated Circuit Industry College in collaboration with enterprises to train urgently needed talents in automotive integrated circuits. Xi’an Aviation Vocational Technical College has launched a program in low-altitude aircraft equipment technology, focusing on the design, manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance of such aircraft. These new programs target emerging economies, new business formats, new technologies, and new professions.

“We will train people according to the needs of the industry,” the official stated. By the end of 2025, the Ministry of Education plans to introduce an additional 57 new programs covering cutting-edge areas such as the low-altitude economy, artificial intelligence, and elderly care.

Is what is being learned aligned with industry needs?

Recently, the “China Sky Eye,” the world’s largest radio telescope, initiated the replacement of its feed support cable. This operation signifies the domestic manufacturing capability of key components for this astronomical project, solving supply chain security issues.

Standardization of Administrative Inspections Involving Enterprises: Full Implementation of “Scan to Enter Enterprises”

On May 8, it was reported that the Ministry of Justice announced the issuance of guidelines for the full implementation of “Scan to Enter Enterprises” to standardize administrative inspections involving enterprises. This notice specifies the basic elements and procedures for “Scan to Enter Enterprises,” clarifying that provincial governments must strengthen coordination and integrate inspection channels to form a unified “law enforcement code.”

By clarifying inspection contents, the notice ensures that enterprises can easily know who is inspecting them and what they are checking just by scanning a code. The procedures for scanning are strictly regulated, and any inspections must be pre-approved by law enforcement personnel.

This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of inspections, avoid repetitive data entry, and alleviate the burden on enterprises and grassroots levels.

Smart Transformation in Industry: Meeting Market Demands for Intelligent Upgrades

In the first quarter of this year, the added value of high-tech manufacturing above designated size grew by 12.5% year-on-year, marking a 3.1 percentage point increase from last year.

During a recent safety inspection at a testing lab in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, the team was evaluating an industrial control computer. The company’s sales have increased by over 50% this quarter. This growth is attributed to industries embracing intelligent transformation, digital transformation, and interconnected networking.

In the competitive market, companies recognize that there are no shortcuts; they must focus on strengthening their technical capabilities. The rise of industrial control computers is not coincidental but a necessary response to the high-quality development of the manufacturing sector.

Jiangsu Province has invested 2 billion yuan annually in transformation projects, implementing over 30,000 initiatives, which reflects the provincial commitment to enhance its manufacturing capabilities.

Creating a New Era of Modernization in Fujian

On May 8, the Fujian provincial government hosted a press conference to outline its initiatives for the 14th Five-Year Plan. The provincial government is determined to implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s directives, focusing on creating a dynamic, high-quality economy.

Fujian is accelerating the construction of “555X” industrial clusters, aiming to cultivate five trillion-yuan-level industrial clusters, five five-hundred-billion-yuan clusters, and five hundred-billion-yuan clusters in sectors such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

In the realm of agriculture, Fujian is implementing a comprehensive agricultural strategy, striving to exceed a total output value of 4 trillion yuan for its ten major rural industries. The province aims to expand its service sector to reach a scale of 4 trillion yuan by 2030.

Digital Empowerment in Various Industries

In Qingdao, a large-scale immersive tourism performance titled “Dreaming of the Ocean” is bringing together technology and culture. The production utilizes advanced digital techniques to create a fully immersive experience for audiences.

As technology continues to develop, its integration with cultural experiences is becoming increasingly vital. The goal is to create unique cultural products that resonate with local heritage while attracting visitors.

On May 8, the Tianzhou-10 cargo spacecraft was transported vertically to the launch area, with plans for a timely launch. This highlights China’s advancements in space technology and infrastructure.

Support for High-Performance Private Enterprises in Technology Innovation

On May 8, the People’s Bank of China and other departments jointly issued a notification to expand loan support for technological innovation and equipment upgrades, particularly targeting high-performing small and medium-sized enterprises.

The notification aims to optimize financial services and support industries such as electronic information and artificial intelligence, promoting the development of a high-quality, innovative, and sustainable economy.

Research on Brain-Machine Interfaces at Anhui University

At Anhui University, researchers are advancing brain-machine interface technology to bridge the gap between humans and machines. By creating non-invasive connections, they aim to apply this technology in clinical settings to monitor patients post-surgery.

The team has developed a consciousness detection system that utilizes brain signals to alert caregivers when patients show signs of drowsiness, potentially improving post-operative care and reducing the burden on families.

International Cooperation at the 2026 World Mayor Dialogue in Xi’an

On May 8, the “2026 World Mayor Dialogue” took place in Xi’an, themed “Silk Road Starting Point: Technology and Culture Empowering Urban High-Quality Development.” City mayors from various countries explored collaborative opportunities for urban connectivity and mutual benefit.

Xi’an is emerging as a city of innovation, showcasing its technological advancements and commitment to sustainable development through various projects and initiatives.

Continuing to Strengthen Cultural, Technological, and Health Initiatives in Rural Areas

On May 8, the Central Propaganda Department issued a notification for the 2026 “Cultural, Technological, and Health Initiatives in Rural Areas” program, emphasizing the importance of delivering quality resources to rural communities in line with Xi Jinping’s vision for rural revitalization.

The initiative aims to support cultural arts, legal services, agricultural technology, scientific knowledge, and healthcare in rural settings, ensuring grassroots communities benefit directly.

Enhancing Scientific Literacy and Innovation at the Grassroots Level

In Jiangxi, initiatives such as “Science Popularization Village Sound” are ensuring that scientific knowledge reaches rural households, while in Hubei, “Order-based” appointments promise precise delivery of educational content.

These innovative approaches are being adopted across multiple regions to strengthen the foundation of scientific literacy and foster a culture of innovation.

Recent Tragic Incident in Liuyang, Hunan

On May 4, a major explosion occurred at a fireworks manufacturing company in Liuyang, Hunan, resulting in 37 fatalities and several injuries. The State Council has established a task force to investigate the incident, emphasizing the need for stringent safety regulations in the fireworks industry.

The government is committed to learning from this tragedy to prevent future incidents and enhance safety measures across the sector.

Archaeological Discoveries of 2025

The announcement of the top ten archaeological discoveries of 2025 reveals significant insights into China’s historical evolution, from prehistoric interactions to the formation of early states. These discoveries enrich our understanding of Chinese civilization and its complexities.

The findings cover a range of historical periods and highlight the interconnectedness of ancient cultures.

Reflections on Personal Experiences

The narrative of daily life in a hospital room captures the essence of human connection and resilience. Through the lens of personal anecdotes and shared experiences, the importance of community and support during challenging times is illuminated.