Meng Aijun watches carefully from the stands as young football players from villages keep the spectators on the edge of their seats at a stadium in Rongjiang County, southwest China's Guizhou Province.
This season of China's Village Super League (VSL) is more than just thrilling matches—it’s a blend of sports and ethnic cultural elements that's capturing hearts nationwide. But Meng isn't here to watch; he's on a mission. As a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), he's conducting field research for a groundbreaking proposal set to debut at the upcoming annual session.
Last year, Meng proposed leveraging traditional culture and intangible cultural heritage to boost rural sports events, attracting millions of tourists to Guizhou. Rongjiang County alone saw a whopping 21% increase in tourists, bringing in over 10.6 billion yuan! This year, his focus is on using the VSL to drive sustainable local economic growth.
\"The VSL has gained immense popularity, but we need to explore if this momentum can be sustained. A deeper investigation and continuous efforts are needed,\" Meng emphasized.
During his research, Meng discovered the transformation of Baibei Village in Rongjiang. Once struggling with basic amenities, the village is now a bustling tourist hotspot, thanks in part to VSL events. This success story showcases the power of culture-led rural development.
Meng is passionate about blending sports with traditional culture to fuel rural revitalization. His new proposals aim to further integrate culture, tourism, and the local economy, ensuring communities thrive sustainably.
Consultation Leads the Way
Meng's work highlights the vital role of the CPPCC as a platform for consultative democracy. With members from diverse political parties and sectors, the CPPCC is instrumental in China's modernization efforts.
In 2024, the CPPCC organized 85 events for consultation and deliberation on various issues, including state affairs. These included special consultation sessions, bi-weekly meetings, remote consultations, and expert discussions.
Zhang Mianzhi, a CPPCC member and doctor at Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, shared his experience from a symposium on promoting Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). His proposal to integrate TCM with Western medicine sparked extensive discussions and practical suggestions from CPPCC members and ministry heads.
Facilitating Modernization
CPPCC proposals have been pivotal in advancing China's modernization. Jiang Ming, an agricultural expert and CPPCC member, proposed developing high-standard farmlands in northeastern China. His efforts led to significant policy support and the protection and utilization of black soil, crucial for agricultural machinery development.
These initiatives, combined with consultative meetings and field studies, demonstrate the collective strength of CPPCC members in realizing people's aspirations and enhancing their lives.
As China concludes its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period, CPPCC members continue to ensure that public voices shape national development strategies, driving the nation toward a prosperous and modern future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
