(Transcribed from recordings, with some edits)
It is a great honor to share the story of the Cunchao (Village Super League). It represents a vivid practice in rural revitalization – a story about joy and about putting Chinese modernization into action. Let’s watch a video clip to get a brief understanding of the Cunchao.
The Cunchao of Rongjiang, Guizhou Province stands as a vivid embodiment of modernization in practice. Since the kickoff on May 13, 2023, the football game swiftly earned praise from President Xi Jinping in his 2024 New Year Address, thanks to its exciting atmosphere, spectacular folk performances, authentic local cuisine and down-to-earth hosting style. The vibrant energy on site showcased a dynamic and thriving China. The Cunchao has been included in the 2024 No. 1 Central Document. Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying has repeatedly praised the event in her posts, hailing it as a catalyst for Chinese rural revitalization.
On the pitch, football enthusiasts from all walks of life showcased themselves in full swing. Off the pitch, roars and cheers of tens of thousands of spectators – of all ages and both genders – turned the stadium and its surroundings into a carnival of joy. Zhao, an 89-year-old member of the Miao minority, cheered for the game with spirit. 94-year-old lady Deng Yujiao voluntarily gave money to players to buy water and went to watch the game in her wheelchair.
During halftime, 11-year-old coach Yang Chengxin earnestly decided tactics. Children chasing the ball across the field and running teenagers waving visiting team flags to cheer on their side represented the future of Rongjiang football. On July 1, the anniversary of the CPC’s founding, 91-year-old Korean War veteran Lai Zhixian traveled from Wuhan to the Cunchao stadium, wishing the motherland prosperity and strength. Blind singer Li Yushun graced the event with his angelic voice, performing the first Cunchao song that moved countless fans. Police officers, urban management staff, sanitation volunteers and people from various sectors provided dedicated service.
While the stadium buzzed with excitement, the Cunchao economy was even more booming. Local delicacies and agricultural products like Rongjiang cow cud, watermelon, themed cola and juice, and passion fruit sold like hotcakes. Ethnic minority costumes and themed cultural products fell short of demand. In 2023, the Cunchao attracted 11.6924 million visitors to Rongjiang, generating a tourism revenue of 13.07 billion RMB. The Cunchao brand has secured over 132 national licenses, with gradually emerging brand benefits. More than 20 public welfare collaborations and licensing agreements have been signed. Chinese brands like Huiyuan, Mengniu, Yili, Wong Lo Kat and Chery have formed strategic partnerships with the Cunchao to jointly support rural development.
Through the introduction, we now have a general understanding of the Cunchao. Next, please allow me to introduce Rongjiang County in Guizhou Province. Among China’s last counties to be lifted out of poverty, it was once known as one of the country’s most impoverished areas. With a population of 385,000, it is home to 16 ethnic minorities. Due to its unique geographical environment, its transportation was very inconvenient, making development a significant challenge. However, Rongjiang has chosen a different path forward. We have relied on consistent implementation to safeguard local people’s livelihoods, achieving substantial improvements in material civilization and subsequently pursuing the development of spiritual civilization.
We selected a down-to-earth approach – football – to drive high-quality development in the county. The Cunchao aims to mobilize residents to realize universal participation, build trust and drive changes. One of the major shareholders, 94-year-old lady Deng Yujiao, voluntarily donated to support the game. 89-year-old Yang, a veteran CPC member, actively participates in every event. They exemplify the universal engagement of the Cunchao.
The Cunchao not only showcases vitality on the field, but also fuels the local economy. Through the game, Rongjiang has unlocked consumption potential, boosted sales of agricultural products and attracted more tourists. In 2023, the Cunchao helped Rongjiang achieve a comprehensive tourism revenue of 13.07 billion RMB. The Cunchao brand has secured over 132 national licenses, showing emerging brand benefits.
The success of our Cunchao activities comes from universal participation, particularly the young people and the older generation. Based on our social media matrix, we have cultivated 12,800 rural live-streamers to amplify exposure for the event and rural revitalization, securing broader public awareness and engagement.
Through the football tournaments, we have organized diverse cultural events to promote Rongjiang’s overall development, attracting substantial tourists and investment. Meanwhile, we prioritize spiritual civilization alongside economic growth, fostering comprehensive social progress through cultural and sporting initiatives.
In summary, the Cunchao stands not only as a model for rural revitalization, but also a prime example of development driven by the mass line. We believe that through sustained effort and innovation, the Cunchao will unlock greater potential in the future and continue to empower rural revitalization.
Lastly, I sincerely invite all the distinguished leaders and guests to Rongjiang County, Guizhou, to get the firsthand experience of the purest football and the achievements of rural revitalization. Thank you all!