Gejia village promotes rural entrepreneurship

Residents of Gejia village in Ningbo, Zhejiang province are encouraged to start new businesses to promote the development of the village’s tourism industry. [Photo/Jiang Pan]

Gejia village in Ningbo, Zhejiang province has spurred economic growth among villagers by encouraging them to expand their businesses beyond homestays.

Ge Haiping, owner of a homestay in the village, was encouraged by local officials to create a milk tea brand. She is currently busy preparing her milk tea products.

"Unlike common milk tea drinks, my products are made with chrysanthemum flowers, which add a lightness to the milk tea," said Ge. The new drinks have been popular among visitors and increased her income by over 70,000 yuan ($9,828).

Like Ge, villagers in Gejia have created 48 brands and 112 products. The village's collective economy has increased by 800,000 yuan, while villagers' total entrepreneurial income has surpassed 5 million yuan.

In addition, Gejia has cooperated with Ningbo Dajia Agricultural Technology Co Ltd to build an industrial park, which has provided jobs for over 300 villagers.

Gejia village has been promoting rural vitalization through art. This year, it launched an art academy, an art workshop, and a high-end homestay to enhance its tourism appeal.