Chongqing - On April 28, the "Bayu Harmonious Rural Construction On-Site Conference" was held in Tongliang District, Chongqing. 

The conference focused on advancing rural revitalization and creating a model for urban-rural integration. Officials and experts discussed strategies for enhancing agricultural productivity, improving rural living conditions, and boosting farmers' incomes.

The city view of Tongliang District. (Photo/Tongliang District)

In recent years, Chongqing has seen remarkable strides in agriculture. In 2024, the first-sector value was 213.6 billion RMB (approximately 29.3 million USD), representing a 2.4% increase compared to the previous year. Despite progress, challenges persist in mountainous districts where agricultural conditions are less favorable. Food production remains tightly balanced with consumption, and significant grain shortages stem from limited land resources.

The conference emphasized learning from the "Thousand Villages Demonstration, Ten Thousand Villages Renovation" initiative, aiming to build "Bayu Harmonious Villages" characterized by clean, beautiful, safe, and harmonious rural environments, with key goals including increasing rural infrastructure (roads, water supply, logistics, and charging stations), expanding sewage and waste treatment coverage (targeting 80% waste sorting in villages), and promoting tourism-driven rural economies, as seen in Tongliang's Hehe Yuanxiang (Lotus Harmony Hometown) and Longhu Village.

SWRDC-IVF CAAS showcased their newly developed fruit and vegetable (Photo/Feng Xiaolou)

To examine Tongliang's rural revitalization efforts, the guests toured several demonstration sites to examine Tongliang's rural revitalization efforts, including Lufeng Town, where the Southwest Research and Development Centre of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (SWRDC-IVF CAAS) showcased agricultural innovation with their newly developed watermelon, cucumber, strawberry, and other types of fruit and vegetables. 

The following stops are Lotus Harmony Hometown, a 3A-rated scenic area renowned for its 3,000-acre lotus fields and cultural tourism, and the "Bayu Granary" Demonstration Base, which highlights high-standard farmland and smart agricultural reforms.

The conference recognized Tongliang's investment in rural revitalization, which blends agriculture, tourism, and cultural heritage to create sustainable, prosperous villages that others can follow.