Apart from local governments' efforts, such as upgrading infrastructure, creating jobs and strengthening training, local business people have also contributed in supporting Zhanjiang's rural development. Chen Yu, president of Modocom, has invested about million yuan to construct industrial, cultural and tourism facilities in Zurong village.
He has established a food processing factory, a handicraft museum, a library, a hotel and a restaurant in the village. The museum displays Leizhou traditional items such as Leizhou porcelain, which has history dating back to the Spring and Autumn period BC , Leizhou stone dogs, and Leizhou-style wood carving. Chen said that Zurong village is a place that needed a strong foundation to develop its rural tourism.
There is no famous story, no well-known people, no astonishing natural landscape, no unique buildings and no rare resources," he said. However, Chen didn't hesitate in investing in Zurong village, where he spent his childhood years.
Currently, about villagers, including some from neighboring villages, work in Chen's factory, helping to reduce the problem of left-behind children. Chen said he will help develop Leizhou into a handicraft making hub to promote the village's traditional culture. Chen is not the only person from the world of business that is devoted to Zhanjiang's rural development.
Yang Song, chairman of construction company GSD Group, who was born in Yangchili village in county-level city Wuchuan, had invested some million yuan to build 35 new villas in the village in Yang also built public facilities such as a cultural square, basketball court, drainage systems in the village to enhance living standards.
