Villages In China Research Articles

Mechanism for meeting the care of older adults in rural China—relying on spouse, offspring or community?

BackgroundWithin the population aging and the trend of aging in place on the rise, it is crucial to explore how care needs are being met for this demographic within the community.MethodsThis study utilizes data from the 2019–2021 survey on 1,126 rural older adults aged 60 years and above across 11 provinces and 31 villages in China. This study aims to examine the influence of spouse, offspring, and community status on the extent to which the care needs of rural older adults are met. Furthermore, it seeks to clarify the underlying mechanism of influence, as well as the change that occurs throughout the life cycle, using a multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThis study demonstrates that the health status of spouses, the education level of offspring, the relationship with offspring, and the living with offspring significantly and positively influence the meeting of care needs among rural older adults. Notably, older adults with healthier spouses experience a 14.5% greater fulfillment of care needs compared to those without partners. Furthermore, those living with their offspring experience a 10.6% higher degree of care met. Additionally, the construction and operation of community senior care facilities, indicative of community quality, significantly enhance the meeting of care needs among rural older adults, with a 16.0% increase in met needs for those residing in communities equipped with such facilities compared to those without. From a life cycle perspective, the aforementioned significant effects are only observed among rural older adults aged 60–74 years or those in better health.ConclusionOur results indicate the meeting of the care needs among rural older adults is influenced by the quality of their spouse, offspring, and community, with these effects diminishing later in the life cycle.

Abstract 17: The Effectiveness of a Community Health Worker-Led Intensive Blood Pressure Intervention on Stroke

Background: Hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for stroke, a leading cause of death in China. Despite national efforts, stroke incidence and mortality rates remain high in China, with significant urban-rural disparities. Objectives: We aimed to examine the effectiveness of non-physician health worker-led antihypertensive interventions on the risk of stroke in rural China. Methods: We included 33,995 hypertensive participants from 326 villages in rural China using 48-month follow-up data from the China Rural Hypertension Control Project (CRHCP). In the CRHCP trial, non-physician healthcare workers initiated and titrated antihypertensive medications using a simple stepped-care protocol recommended by clinical guidelines. The primary outcome was total stroke during the 48-month follow-up period. Secondary outcomes included fatal and nonfatal strokes. We conducted a secondary analysis adjusted for pre-defined baseline covariates to examine the robustness of the intervention effect on stroke. Safety outcomes were also assessed at 48 months. Results: During a median of 48.2 months of follow-up, 1,151 strokes (1.7% yearly rate) occurred in participants in intervention villages compared to 1,484 strokes (2.4% yearly rate) in participants in usual care villages. The non-physician health worker-led intervention reduced stroke by 28% (hazard ratio = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.77) in intervention compared to usual care participants. Similar reductions were also observed for fatal (hazard ratio = 0.74; 95% CI 0.63, 0.87) and nonfatal stroke (hazard ratio = 0.71; 95% CI 0.66, 0.78). Participants in intervention villages had a significantly lower rate of hospitalizations and deaths compared to usual care participants (risk ratio = 0.94; 95% CI 0.91, 0.98). There were no significant differences in rates of injurious falls, symptomatic hypotension, or syncope between the intervention and usual care villages. Conclusion: This study shows that a nonphysician health worker-led intensive BP control was effective at reducing stroke among rural residents in China. The non-physician community health worker-led intervention should be scaled up in China and other low- and middle-income countries to reduce the burden of stroke.

The impact of digital technology on the economic behavior of traditional minority villages in China

Purpose This study aims to investigate how digital technology influences the happiness of villagers in traditional ethnic minority communities, with Waipula Village as a focal case study. Recognized as a forerunner in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Waipula Village exemplifies how digital innovation can transform rural communities. Design/methodology/approach Using an exploratory case study approach, the research reveals that digital technology enhances villagers’ happiness by improving market access, mitigating geographical limitations and fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. Findings In addition, digital technology has led to new consumption patterns and cultural values, significantly contributing to the village’s sustainable development and overall well-being. Originality/value This analysis expands the understanding of the role of digital technology in ethnic minority villages and offers valuable insights for rural revitalization strategies, highlighting its importance in enhancing happiness and preserving cultural heritage.

Research on the Development Logic and Sustainable Transformation Path of Suburban Villages from the Perspective of Relational Turn: A Case Study of Panlongling Village

Against the backdrop of urban–rural element flow and rural transformational development in China, suburban villages, as frontier zones connecting cities and rural areas, are pivotal in promoting urban–rural integration and fostering sustainable growth. This study takes Panlongling Village in China as a case study, utilizing theoretical methods from the perspective of the relational turn in geography to analyze the relational logic of rural socio-economic phenomena and address related conflicts. Based on data from multiple field surveys and interviews, this study identifies problems already discovered in Panlongling Village’s development, such as superficial economic enhancement, low villager participation, unidirectional benefit flow, and so on. This study proposes a hypothesis about the causes of these problems and validates this hypothesis through Actor–Network Theory, including unequal benefit distribution, insufficient technical support, inadequate governance and supervision, and a lack of self-improvement awareness among the actors. This study further offers targeted future development pathways for the village’s industrial transformation through actor–network reconstruction, taking into account the multidimensional relationships of stakeholders within the village, urban–rural relations, and socio-economic–natural interactions. It highlights the importance of a people-centric approach, shared benefits among actors, and cross-regional and cross-scale relational connections, offering insights for promoting sustainable development and the transformational development of suburban villages.

Use of Multi-Feature Extraction and Transfer Learning to Identify Urban Villages in China

Urban villages (UVs) are the most typical urban informal settlements in China, and the study of an effective identification method for UVs can help to provide a reference for the development of locally adapted UV transformation policies. In order to reduce the cost of labeling and enhance transferability, this study integrates remote sensing and social sensing data and applies sample migration from a labeled area to a less labeled area based on the theory of transfer learning. There are two main results of this study: (1) This study constructed a feature system for UV identification based on multi-feature extraction using a block as a unit, and experiments based on Tianhe District achieved an overall accuracy of 90% and a kappa coefficient of 0.76. (2) Using Tianhe District as the source domain and Jiangan District as the target domain, samples from the source domain were reused based on the KMM, TCA, and CORAL algorithms. The CORAL+RF algorithm showed the best performance, where its overall accuracy reached 97.06% and its kappa coefficient reached 0.89, and its overall accuracy reached 91.17% and its kappa coefficient reached 0.67 in the case of no target domain labeling. To sum up, the identification method for UVs proposed in the present study provides theoretical references for identification methods for UVs in different geographical areas.

Evolutionary analysis of ecological-production-living space-carrying capacity in tourism-centric traditional villages in Guangxi, China.

The carrying capacity of ecological-production-living space (EPLS) is pivotal to the development of traditional villages and the optimization of their tourism industries. However, research on tourism-centric traditional villages in China remains limited. This study addresses this gap by examining EPLS carrying capacity in tourism-focused villages in Guangxi, China. Using remote sensing imagery of Chengyang Bazhai (CYBZ) along with data on local tourism and socio-economic development, the study classifies different types of EPLS and establishes a comprehensive indicator system. Geographic information system spatial analysis, combined with grey correlation analysis, was employed to assess the evolution of EPLS carrying capacity and its influencing factors in CYBZ. The findings indicate that between 2006 and 2015, the overall carrying capacity of EPLS experienced a decline. While the carrying capacity of production spaces remained relatively stable, ecological and living spaces saw notable decreases. However, from 2015 to 2021, EPLS carrying capacity increased substantially. The most substantial growth was observed in Pingyan Village, followed by Chengyang Village, with Pingfu Village exhibiting the smallest improvement. The expansion of the tourism industry has significantly influenced the evolution of EPLS carrying capacity in CYBZ, creating a greater need for strategic future planning. Optimal EPLS and durable tourism development require continuous enhancements in EPLS capacity, reductions in negative interactions between carrying capacity and tourism growth, as well as ecological revitalization. This study contributes to the existing literature by enhancing EPLS carrying capacity understanding. It offers theoretical guidance for its optimization in Chengyang and practical insights into sustainable tourism development in similar regions.

How do residents’ perceptions of tourism-led community development influence their government support? Evidence from poverty alleviation villages in China

ABSTRACT Rural tourism has emerged as a widely discussed hot topic. However, research regarding local residents’ perceptions of tourism-led community development (TLCD) and attitude of trust still requires further in-depth exploration. Drawing on the social exchange and ‘cognition-affective-conative’ theories, this study analysed how residents’ perceptions of TLCD influence supportive attitudes in four representative tourism villages in Sichuan Province, China. Residents’ government trust and satisfaction with TLCD were treated as mediating variables, while residents’ tourism working experiences served as a moderating variable. The findings indicated that residents generally had a positive attitude towards TLCD and also unreservedly trusted and supported the local government's tourism efforts. Residents’ positive perceptions of TLCD not only significantly enhanced their satisfaction with TLCD, but also directly and indirectly influenced government trust through residents’ satisfaction with TLCD. Besides, residents’ tourism working experiences significantly moderated the relationship between positive sociocultural perceptions and attitudes of support. This study not only deepens the research on the perceptions and attitudes of residents in rural tourism destinations, but also provides theoretical support for the implementation of rural revitalisation strategies.

Blessing or burden? The impact of rural e-commerce on industrial sulphur dioxide emissions: evidence from Taobao villages in China

ABSTRACT Rural e-commerce is expected to be an effective way to green development. However, the impact of rural e-commerce on the industrial sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions remains unexplored. Leveraging county-level data from 2014 to 2020, this research examines the influence of rural e-commerce on industrial SO₂ emissions. The analysis reveals that rural e-commerce significantly elevates industrial SO₂ emissions, with the effect being more pronounced in regions with concentrated rural e-commerce activities. Fortunately, environmental oversight and technological innovations can alleviate these adverse environmental impacts. Rural e-commerce contributes to higher industrial SO₂ emissions by fostering industrial growth, increasing energy consumption, and lowering energy efficiency. These findings offer important insights into the relationship between rural e-commerce and sustainable environmental development.

A Comparative Study on the Promoting Effects of Different Tourism Development Models on Rural Revitalization: Case Studies from Two Typical Villages in China

A Comparative Study on the Promoting Effects of Different Tourism Development Models on Rural Revitalization: Case Studies from Two Typical Villages in China

Intergenerational transmission or cultural loss? The continuity of ethnic identity among the Yao minority in China

PurposeThis study aims to examine the intergenerational transmission of ethnic culture among the Yao minority in China, focusing on how rapid societal changes and modernization impact cultural identity maintenance. The research seeks to understand the perspectives of different generations of Yao individuals regarding their traditional culture, external influences and ethnic identity. The study aims to identify factors that facilitate or hinder cultural transmission, assess the effectiveness of current cultural preservation efforts and uncover potential strategies for maintaining ethnic identity in a rapidly changing society. Additionally, the research investigates the role of traditional elements, such as ethnic clothing, in connecting younger generations to their cultural heritage.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a qualitative approach using grounded theory methodology to explore the intergenerational transmission of Yao ethnic culture in China. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 Yao individuals representing different generations. Participants were purposively selected from two Yao villages in southern China. Data collection also included researcher observations and memos. Interviews were conducted in Chinese, translated to English and analyzed using NVivo12 software. The analysis followed the grounded theory approach of open, axial and selective coding. Triangulation was achieved through discussions with participants' peers and family members. Ethical considerations included obtaining informed consent, ensuring participant anonymity and securing institutional review board approval.FindingsThe study revealed three distinct generational attitudes towards Yao culture: rejection among older generations, semi-openness in middle-aged groups and initiated closeness in younger generations. Despite government policies supporting population growth, ethnic identity is not effectively transmitted across generations. Economic disparities between Yao communities and external society significantly influence cultural preservation, with younger generations prioritizing economic opportunities over traditional practices. However, traditional Yao clothing emerged as a potential link between younger individuals and their cultural heritage, offering a promising avenue for cultural preservation. The research also highlighted the impact of education, technology and media on shaping attitudes towards traditional culture and external influences across different age groups.Originality/valueThis study provides insights into the cultural transmission within the Yao minority in China, a previously understudied ethnic group. It uniquely examines the interplay between economic development, government policies and intergenerational attitudes in shaping ethnic identity maintenance. The research reveals an unexpected potential for traditional clothing to serve as a bridge between younger generations and their cultural heritage, offering a fresh perspective on cultural preservation strategies. By identifying distinct generational attitudes towards cultural identity, this study contributes valuable knowledge to the fields of ethnic studies, cultural anthropology and social psychology, while also informing policymaking for minority cultural preservation in rapidly modernizing societies.

A Study of Urban Village Transformation Programs in Shenzhen Through Field Research

Shenzhen, as one of the cities with a larger number of urban villages in China, has put the comprehensive transformation of urban villages on the agenda. Urban villages are one of the witnesses to the development of Shenzhen due to their development reasons and history. However, due to their more complex living environment and larger population, they have always been a safety hazard in the city. As the incremental demand for urban space decreases and the city begins to pursue the path of comprehensive efficiency and high-quality development, it is necessary to increase the cultural and cognitive diversity of urban villages. By combining demolition and renovation, the transformation of urban villages ensures the normal housing needs of current residents while optimizing infrastructure and living environments, reducing residential risks, and establishing a diverse community culture. This paper analyzes and studies the situation of urban villages in Shenzhen by means of field research and overview, and explores the advantages and importance of urban village transformation based on policy analysis.

The Expectation for a Son to Mature into a Paternity

<The South-Goods Shop> provides a rich and detailed portrayal of the lives of men in rural counties and villages of China in the latter half of the 20th century. Through this text, one can observe the discourse of masculinity mainly characterized by "paternity," as well as the contexts in which various survival needs and cultural experiences are generated. By exploring the dynamic of male growth and life experiences in the continuous pursuit of trusting connections between self and others, under the anxiety of "paternity" identity that haunts them, the situation of suppression and objectification faced by men can be revealed. In this process, the simultaneous attention to the stage-specific expression of male identity and that of the family space constitutes the main line of reasoning in this paper.

A systematic assessment of low-carbon energy consumption by an integrated approach in rural China

Many studies highlight the challenges of applying urban-based low-carbon assessment frameworks to rural energy consumption, emphasizing the need for a method suitable for rural conditions. This study aims to develop a systematic methodology suitable for low-carbon assessment of rural energy consumption in China. The proposed methodology was tested on 24,116 rural households across 124 villages in central and western China. Results indicate that it successfully overcomes limitations in current assessments, namely limited relevance, poor applicability, and inadequate policy alignment. The methodology is capable of adapting to the lack of basic data on rural energy and the inadequate statistics on rural energy consumption. The findings of this assessment reveal that energy structure (i.e., energy sources) is the main contributor to rural carbon emissions, followed by household economic conditions, rural house maintenance structure, and the awareness levels of farmers. These factors have a dramatic impact on the transition to low-carbon energy consumption in rural China.

From indigenous villages to World Heritage Sites: Structural violence in spatial transformation

Once indigenous villages are designated as World Heritage Sites, they no longer belong exclusively to local residents. The political, cultural, and tourism-related values of these sites are overemphasized, often undermining the subjectivity of local residents. This transformation in spatial attributes of the villages constitutes “structural violence” against local communities. Existing literature still lacks direct research attention on this issue. This study uses the Fujian Tulou villages in China as case sites, employing a “material-social-cultural” three-dimensional framework to summarize three forms of structural violence: resource deprivation, imbalanced interest structure, and discourse erosion, rooted in spatial transformation, and further explores their underlying causes. The findings deepen insight into the tensions between World Heritage practices, tourism, and sustainable community development.

Community-based smart healthcare initiative reduces carotid intima-media thickness and thrombotic markers in patients with hypertension: A prospective study

ObjectiveUnhealthy lifestyles negatively impact the prognosis and outcomes of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of smart healthcare technology in assisting physicians with monitoring and improving patient lifestyles, as well as adjusting treatment plans on carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and thrombotic markers during the therapeutic management of hypertension. Furthermore, we compared the efficacy of smart healthcare interventions with conventional hospital-based follow-up in ameliorating cardiovascular complications in patients with established hypertension. The goal is to elucidate the optimal timing for clinical interventions and to develop personalized treatment plans to enhance the long-term prognosis of patients with cardiovascular disease. MethodsA stratified sample of 174 patients with established hypertension from two villages in southeastern China was selected. The study cohort comprised 85 participants in the smart healthcare intervention group and 89 participants in the regular follow-up control group. Changes in median levels of IMT, von Willebrand factor (vWF), P-selectin (P-S), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and cholesterol were assessed before and after the study period. Comparative analysis of changes in IMT, vWF, P-S, blood pressure, and cholesterol between the two groups was conducted over the study period. ResultsThe intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in IMT, vWF, and P-S levels compared to the control group (P < 0.05). At the 12-month follow-up (T12), blood pressure, BMI, total cholesterol, IMT, P-S, and vWF levels were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The reduction in IMT was particularly notable, with the intervention group revealing a statistically significant improvement compared to the control group (P < 0.001). ConclusionThe smart healthcare intervention model resulted in more significant improvements in IMT and thrombotic markers compared to the traditional hospital follow-up model. Patients using the smart blood pressure monitors exhibited significantly lower levels of IMT, vWF, and P-S compared to their pre-intervention levels.

Breaking new ground or business as usual? Urban village redevelopment under China’s new normal

This special issue explores the redevelopment of urban villages in China. Drawing on top-down and bottom-up approaches, this article interrogates the work of six articles within it examining the diverse strategies employed in urban village redevelopment. The top-down approach highlights the state’s central role in managing large-scale transformations and the collaboration between government, developers, and village collectives; the bottom-up strategies reveal the potential for local actors to shape the redevelopment through grassroots initiatives. The convergence of the two approaches demonstrates how top-down and bottom-up methods can complement each other, creating inclusive and sustained transformations. Above all, we articulate the importance of integrated governance models in ensuring that urban village redevelopment enhances economic growth and promotes social equity.

Exploring the strategies for upgrading public facilities in urban villages: A case study of Wuhan, China

Public facilities are essential components of urban villages in large cities in China, playing a key role in the quality of life for residents. However, our understanding of these public facilities is limited. There is an urgent need to upgrade them in the context of a new wave of urban redevelopment in China. To address this gap, we first identify Wuhan’s urban villages by correlating the proportion of construction land with the percentage of migrants. Next, we employ kernel density estimation and fishnet analysis methods to examine the characteristics of public facilities in urban villages. We then develop a new research framework, characterized by “upgrade sequence – upgrade mode”, for strategically arranging the upgrading of these facilities. Our findings indicate that: (1) the upgrade of public facilities in Wuhan’s urban villages should focus on the suburban districts; (2) it is essential to balance supply and demand when addressing issues related to public facilities, avoiding indiscriminate large-scale demolition and reconstruction, as in-situ upgrades may become the new trend; and (3) different upgrade approaches should be adopted based on the specific features of each urban village. Overall, this study fills a gap in the systematic examination of public facilities in urban villages and proposes a new strategy for in-situ upgrades. We contribute to a nuanced understanding of the dynamics of urban villages in China and the broader context of planetary urban redevelopment.

The Development and Value of Sanbao Art Village in Jingdezhen China

Background and Aim: This study explores the construction and study value of Sanbao Art Village in Jingdezhen, China, to investigate how this art village promotes regional economic and social development through the power of art and culture. As one of the more mature art villages in China, the development history of Sanbao Art Village and its impact on culture inheritance and innovation play an important role in understanding the rural revitalization and development of cultural industries. This study aims to analyze the development process of Sanbao Art Village and inquire about its cultural, economic, and social value, as well as its significance and effect under the contemporary background. Materials and Methods: This study puts to use the methods of literature review and field survey, collects all the relevant information about Sanbao Art Village, and reorganizes the development history of Sanbao Art Village. Through an on-site investigation of Sanbao Art Village, the readers can intuitively understand the art village’s operation model, cultural value, social and economic impacts, and so on. Results: This study found that since its establishment in 1995, Sanbao Art Village has developed from an unknown small village into a well-known art creation and cultural exchange center at home and abroad. Its successful transformation is attributed to Li Jianshen’s founding philosophy and the joint efforts of the artists and the community. It combines effectively traditional ceramic techniques with modern art innovation, thus establishing a platform for international exchanges of ceramic art in Jingdezhen and even China. Sanbao Art Village has great important value in culture, economy, society, and other aspects. Conclusion: Two main conclusions are drawn through the research: (1) Sanbao Art Village has a positive impact on promoting cultural inheritance and innovation, stimulating economic vitality, and improving the quality of life of the community. The development practice of the art village provides a valuable reference for other regions to promote sustainable development by using art and cultural resources. (2) Sanbao Art Village not only combines the traditional ceramic culture and modern art innovation, creating a unique cultural and artistic ecosystem, but also attracts tourists from all overall the world and enhances the international reputation of Jingdezhen and even China’s ceramic art. It is an important place for cultural inheritance and artistic innovation and has made also significant contributions to the local economic development and social well-being.

The impact of multiplex relationships on households’ informal farmland transfer in rural China: A network perspective

Over the last three decades, farmland transfers in rural China have significantly increased. Despite this rise, informal farmland transfers within social networks continue to be common in many villages, underscoring the need for a more nuanced understanding of their determinants. Existing literature extensively explores the influence of social networks on farmland transfers, it often overlooks the distinction between formal and informal transactions and primarily focuses on binary relationships. Limited data availability and constraints in econometric methodology have impeded quantitative estimation of the impact of farmers’ interactions on informal farmland transfers at the local levels. To address this issue, we developed a framework that integrates embeddedness theory and social interaction theory to uncover the mechanism between multiplex relationship and informal farmland transfers from a network perspective. Using survey data collected from all 341 households in a village in central China, we constructed both relationship networks and informal farmland transfer network among peasant households. We then employed the logistic regression quadratic assignment procedure (LRQAP) to quantify the impact of multiplex relationships and network structures on informal farmland transfers. The results reveal a significant positive correlation between multiplex relationships and informal farmland transfer behaviors among peasant households. Specifically, households are more likely to engage in informal farmland transfer through relationships characterized by emotional connections and reciprocal exchanges, rather than through relationships based on cooperative support. Furthermore, our findings indicate that multiplex relationships influence informal farmland transfer behaviors through network structure effects, such as reciprocity and preferential attachment, rather than through transitivity. These results highlight the importance of leveraging multiplex relationships to facilitate and regulate informal farmland transfers amid rural decline and land use change.

Alternative micro-regeneration strategies for urban villages in China? Social entrepreneurship-based artistic intervention in Aohu Village in Shenzhen

Recent shifts in China’s urban village regeneration strategies have transitioned from comprehensive, large-scale redevelopment to nuanced, incremental micro-regenerations, incorporating artistic interventions as a dynamic mechanism for fostering urban governance innovation. This paper examines the transformative impact of social entrepreneurship based artistic intervention within the micro-regeneration of urban villages, particularly through a case study of Aohu Village in Shenzhen. It highlights how a local artist and villager catalyzed the village’s bottom-up regeneration by mobilizing his social networks to attract artists and organize art events, significantly boosting Aohu Art Village’s profile and contributing to social innovation. This approach not only drew attention from local government but also demonstrated the potent influence of artistic intervention on neighborhood regeneration and local governance. Unlike conventional, top-down planned art villages, Aohu retains its original community fabric through community-led regeneration while also addressing challenges such as rising rents and potential displacement of artists. The case study of Aohu Art Village illustrates the critical role of social entrepreneurship in urban village regeneration, emphasizing the necessity of a balanced understanding of artistic intervention, community engagement, and sustainable urban regeneration in China’s evolving urban landscape.