In villages of Rugao, Nantong, Jiangsu, one can feel the strong collective economic development. As of the end of March this year, the total operating income of all 332 villages or communities in Rugao reached an impressive 173.85 million yuan ($23.92 million).

"Village construction, environmental management, and holding cultural activities all rely on the village collective economy. Only with thriving industries can we truly lead the people towards common prosperity," said Yan Haichun, Party secretary of Longqiao village in Banjing town. Longqiao has dedicated itself to the cultivation of cabbage, generating an annual income of over one million yuan and providing jobs for more than 70 local villagers.

In Lixin Community, Wuyao town, the repurposing of an old school building into a snail production base for Juwei Snails has proven beneficial. The community earns 80,000 yuan in annual rental income, while Juwei Snails generates over 9 million yuan in annual sales.

Pingyuanchi village in Chengbei sub-district has introduced various lotus flowers and is engaged in large-scale lotus root cultivation. By building supporting infrastructure such as roads and viewing platforms, the village has transformed idle ponds into a cultural park. This initiative has increased the village's collective income to 3.05 million yuan.

These success stories highlight the vital role of the collective economy in promoting rural development and improving the livelihoods of villagers in Rugao.