Once a tidal flat area along the Yangtze River, Yonglian village, Zhangjiagang has since developed into a prosperous community, pioneering a model that ensures both material and spiritual abundance for villagers.
A bird's eye view of Yonglian village, Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]
Collective economies secure common prosperity
Yonglian village owns 25 percent of shares in Yonggang Group, a steel company, and the annual dividends are worth more than 100 million yuan ($13.75 million). The village also established Yonglian Industrial Group in 2023, which engages in a variety of businesses, including fresh produce delivery, food processing, tourism, and community services. The group's revenue reached 620 million yuan last year, increasing the per capita annual dividends of more than 11,000 villagers from 10,000 yuan to 17,000 yuan.
Credit system civilizes the village
Supported by the local government, Yonglian village, working with several financial institutions, developed China's first village-wide digital credit system. The various rewards acquired by maintaining credibility help make the village more civilized.
Public projects facilitate lives
Yonglian village maintains an elevated level of common prosperity, continuously providing high-quality services to villagers. Projects such as establishing a high-standard elementary school, offering high-quality medical services, and adding elevators in residences are improving lives in the village.
Replicable experiences enhance common prosperity
An agreement for a demonstration project to introduce Yonglian village's community governance experience to Sixing community in Zhangjiagang was signed in June and is expected to enhance the development of common prosperity in the city.