Located 35 kilometers from the county seat and 9 kilometers from the town government, this small village, historically inhabited by the Miao ethnic group, is home to just 138 residents spread across 32 households.
Yet, despite its seemingly isolated location and scorching heat that easily pushed above 28 degrees Celsius, Manpeng Xinzhai stands as a vibrant example of how technology and innovative thinking can transform rural life.
At first glance, Yunnan might not appear highly developed, but the region surprises with its infrastructure tunnels, bridges, and even skyscrapers regardless of the landscape. More striking, however, was the way this village, far removed from major urban centers, has embraced the digital age.
The people here are deeply connected to the global technological wave, using smartphones and live-streaming platforms to sell local specialties such as Miao embroidery, ethnic clothing, honey, and fresh fruits. This is no small feat for a village tucked away in the mountains.
Under the guidance of Party Branch Secretary Yang Xiaolong, Manpeng Xinzhai has successfully implemented a "Government-led grassroots initiative; Live Streaming Sales" model. This innovative approach integrates grassroots party organizations with digital commerce, allowing residents to generate substantial income from their products.
By 2024, live-streaming sales had reached an impressive 28.3 million yuan, benefiting them with earnings totaling nearly 3.91 million yuan. This model not only boosts the village economy but also ensures that all 32 households actively participate in and benefit from these initiatives, with average household incomes surpassing 100,000 yuan annually.
The village's commitment to developing talent is equally remarkable. It has grown its e-commerce live-streaming hosts from just one to five, and has already incubated 65 live-streamers across 59 nearby villages. Plans are underway to train 200 more in the coming year.
This focus on skill-building and entrepreneurship fosters a sustainable foundation for ongoing rural revitalization. The community's approach of reinvesting a portion of cooperative profits back into the local economy underlines their collective vision for shared prosperity.
The story of Manpeng Xinzhai naturally led me to reflect on Rwanda, which recently achieved a significant milestone by launching 5G internet at key sites like Kigali Heights and the Kigali Convention Centre. This new network, promising speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G and drastically reduced latency, is poised to revolutionize digital connectivity in Rwanda.
MTN Rwanda, the leading telecom provider, is rapidly expanding 5G coverage across Kigali, aiming to unlock new opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and improved public services, particularly in sectors like healthcare.
The parallels are striking. Just as Manpeng Xinzhai leverages digital tools to connect its rural economy to the broader market, Rwanda's adoption of 5G opens doors for young people and entrepreneurs to harness cutting-edge technology for business, education, and social development.
The ability to conduct live streams, manage online sales, and engage with customers in real-time can transform how Rwandans create value, particularly in agriculture.
Manpeng Xinzhai's journey offers a blueprint: embracing technology at the grassroots, investing in people's skills, and using digital platforms to access markets far beyond geographical constraints can lift entire communities out of poverty and isolation.
Rwanda's 5G rollout, combined with ongoing efforts in digital literacy and infrastructure, presents a timely opportunity for the nation's youth and rural populations to emulate this success, turning connectivity into tangible prosperity.
As I left the blazing heat of the village behind, I carried with me the image of a community that defies odds by marrying tradition with technology.
Their story is a powerful reminder that even the most remote places can be hubs of innovation and economic vitality when technology is accessible and people are empowered to use it.
Rwanda stands on the cusp of a similar transformation, and the lessons from Manpeng Xinzhai signal that with determination and vision, the future is ripe with possibility for all.
Visiting Manpeng Xinzhai was not just an assignment but a deeply personal experience. As I arrived, I found villagers actively engaged in live streaming, a vibrant part of their daily routine.
They invited me to join for about ten minutes. I shared my own story with their online audience, bridging cultures through this digital platform. In a touching gesture of hospitality, they gifted me one of their traditional Miao attires, a symbol of their rich heritage.
Christian Mugisha
Source : https://en.igihe.com/opinion/article/insights-into-the-digital-future-from-a-remote-village-in-china
