Rural revitalization is often measured by new industries and rising incomes. But on the ground, it can also mean helping farmers solve everyday problems, one family at a time.
Zhang Pingjun, the first secretary in a village in Jiangxi Province, reflects that reality.
Zhang Pingjun (L) discusses fruit tree cultivation with a local farmer in Qianshan Village, Gongqingcheng, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province. [Photo courtesy of Zhang Pingjun]
At seven o'clock every morning, Zhang Pingjun begins another busy day in Qianshan Village.
His first stop is a plum orchard owned by a villager with disabilities, whose wife is seriously ill.
Together with his colleagues, Zhang helps harvest, sort and weigh the fruit before moving on to his next task.
Later, he visits a poultry farm, checks construction at a breeding project, and spends the afternoon packing peaches and coordinating deliveries to market.
For Zhang, a first secretary assigned to the village nearly two years ago, rural revitalization is built through countless practical jobs.
"We are here not just to help the village committee. We are involved in every aspect of rural life. The real goal is not administration -- it's helping people improve their lives."
That philosophy is reflected in his work helping villagers get back on their feet.
One of them is Yin Shigui, who returned home after his construction business failed and decided to raise green-shell egg chickens.
Zhang Pingjun (R) works with farmers to develop the village's egg-laying chicken industry and solve technical challenges in Qianshan Village, Gongqingcheng, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province. [Photo courtesy of Zhang Pingjun]
Facing shortages of funding, experience and sales channels, Yin struggled to get started.
Zhang stepped in, connecting him with government canteens, supermarkets and online procurement platforms. He also helped him secure loans and complete the necessary government procedures.
"Ordinary villagers don't know how these systems work. We do. We know who to ask and where to go, so we guide them through the process step by step. Starting a business here is never easy."
Today, Yin's poultry farm has expanded from fewer than 10,000 chickens to a planned capacity of 100,000, with demand continuing to grow.
But Zhang's work goes well beyond economic development.
Zhang Pingjun mediates disputes among villagers in Qianshan Village, Gongqingcheng, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province. [Photo courtesy of Zhang Pingjun]
When a 70-year-old villager living with Alzheimer's disease went missing last year, he organized a village-wide search with residents, police and drone teams until the man was found safe.
He also spends much of his time mediating family disagreements, land disputes and neighborhood conflicts.
"People come to us because they trust us. Each side believes it is right. Our job is to help them calm down, understand each other and find a solution everyone can accept."
For Zhang, roads, industries and incomes all matter.
But he believes trust is the foundation of rural revitalization.
By solving one problem after another -- whether it's selling fruit, supporting a farmer or helping settle a dispute -- he hopes to make life a little better for the people of Qianshan Village.
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