A road in the rural area of Zhuji county-level city, Shaoxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

Fengyuan village in Zhuji, Zhejiang province, is the birthplace of the "Fengqiao model". This model for promoting community-level social governance has become the cornerstone of infrastructure development and common prosperity in the area.

Over the past two decades, the rural roads of Fengyuan village have undergone a remarkable transformation. The principles of Fengqiao model have remained steadfast, guiding every aspect of road construction, management, and maintenance in the village.

Community engagement lies at the heart of this model, with residents voluntarily participating in making decisions, talking out differences, and reaching consensus. Through mobilizing and relying on the community, road-related issues are swiftly identified and resolved, preempting conflicts and ensuring smooth operations.

The robust infrastructure facilitated by Fengqiao model has not only connected communities but also paved the way for common prosperity in Fengyuan village. Since 2013, the village's collective income has quintupled to 3.06 million yuan (about $420,000) in 2023, with a per capita disposable income of 58,000 yuan.

A water truck sprays water to clean a road in the rural area of Zhuji. [Photo/Tide News]

In recent years, Zhuji has been at the forefront of rural road development. By 2018, the city had interconnected its rural roads to create a network, where towns and villages are within 25 minutes of urban areas.

These interconnected roadways serve as vital links, connecting diverse tourism resources and rural industries, fostering the growth of industrial clusters, and providing a solid foundation for rural vitalization and common prosperity.

Zhuji has also pioneered the development of premium routes that integrate rural roads with tourism, linking scenic spots and attractions. In 2023, the city welcomed 12.82 million tourists, marking a 28.6 percent increase from the previous year.