Wusi village in Deqing county, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, shares its digital transformation during the 2024 World Internet Conference. [Photo/Huzhou News Media Center]

The just-concluded 2024 World Internet Conference featured an exhibition of the transformative power of digital technology in rural development, with Wusi village emerging as a standout example.

Sun Guowen, Party secretary of Wusi village, presented the village's digital journey to address challenges and improve residents' lives.

One notable innovation is the use of high-altitude surveillance facilities and AI monitoring systems to manage straw burning. The technologies enable real-time monitoring and rapid response to straw burning, reducing the patrol burden and protecting the environment.

Wusi village has also improved waste management through smart technology. By using photo and weighing systems on garbage trucks and electronic tags on household bins, the village can accurately track the waste sorting of each household.

Furthermore, the village has introduced a smart shared cloud clinic, connecting with higher-level medical institutions for remote consultations and medicine delivery, providing villagers with quality healthcare.

Thanks to these digital initiatives, Wusi village's collective income reached 9.02 million yuan ($1.24 million) in 2023, with per capita annual income increasing to 60,000 yuan. The natural environment has been protected and residents' happiness has significantly improved.

Sun's presentation was well-received, with attendees praising Wusi village's digital transformation as a model for other regions.