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Rent a holiday home for 20 years for US$1,000: how one Chinese town is trying to revive the rural economy

  • The project, which turns vacant houses in Dashuibo, Shandong into community spaces and second homes, is an experiment in poverty alleviation
  • Tenants commit to spending US$30,000 on renovations, and must buy at least US$760 worth of produce from local farms every year

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Zhao Hui’s renovated farmhouse in a village in Dashuibo, Shandong, eastern China is part of an experiment to revitalise its rural economy, a key national policy goal. Photo: courtesy of Zhao Hui

A government-backed experiment aimed at revitalising the rural economy in eastern China is offering cheap farmhouse rentals to city residents.

For about US$1,000 over 20 years, or US$50 per year, they can rent a farmhouse in Dashuibo, a town with a population of 35,000 in Shandong province. Tenants have to commit to spending at least another US$30,000 on renovations to their property, and agree to buy at least US$760 worth of produce from local farmers every year.

The local government subsidises the project and, for the time being at least, it is not being operated for profit. Besides a bargain, new tenants find other benefits.

“I came because there are a lot of interesting people here,” said Li Weishi, a 53-year-old entrepreneur who runs a food company in the northern city of Harbin. “A peaceful view is just one aspect. I am more attracted by the fact that I can be close to talented people and get inspired.”

Before-and-after pictures of a farmhouse that was renovated by newcomers from a city. Photo: courtesy of Zhao Hui
Before-and-after pictures of a farmhouse that was renovated by newcomers from a city. Photo: courtesy of Zhao Hui

Li is one of the 33 city people who took up the offer during its initial roll-out. These new residents are successful professionals and know each other through mutual friends. Most of them come to the town for holidays.

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