On October 8, in Huzhou, a representative from the Fuxi Street office in Deqing County expressed enthusiasm as they shared, “These potatoes hail from Zhaikong Town in Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, where more than 90% of the residents are Tibetan. Almost every household cultivates potatoes, and our collaboration has opened new markets for them!”
Behind the representative, trucks laden with potatoes rolled into Fuxi, delivering a sweet taste from 2,100 kilometers away.
The staff member elaborated on the partnership between Deqing County and Zhaikong Town, emphasizing their joint efforts to stimulate economic growth through industry support and resource sharing. To tackle the issue of unsold potatoes in Zhaikong, Fuxi launched the “Potato Digital Plan,” which included signing a cooperative agreement aimed at shared prosperity and establishing a dedicated delivery network to facilitate the transport and sale of these potatoes.
As part of the “Potato Express,” they’ve teamed up with Zhejiang University of Technology and the local agricultural bureau to train new farmers through both online and in-person sessions. These trainings focus on planting techniques and marketing strategies to boost yield and market competitiveness.
The journey of these potatoes symbolizes a broader community effort in Deqing County, dedicated to fostering shared prosperity and happiness. In recent years, the county has prioritized strengthening a sense of shared identity among various ethnic groups, working to create a warm and inclusive atmosphere for all.
Take Longsheng Village, for example, where girls from the Gelao ethnic group in Sichuan and those from the Zhuang ethnic group in Guangxi coexist. This area has welcomed many new residents, and the sense of community and happiness is flourishing.
A walk through the picturesque Fenghuang Villa in Longsheng Village reveals charming traditional-style homes with white walls and black tiles, set against lush greenery. The village is equipped with essential facilities such as children’s centers, reading rooms, and smart service stations, enhancing the comfort and convenience of life for residents.
Themes of shared prosperity, harmonious neighborhoods, and vibrant culture intertwine to tell the story of Deqing’s ethnic communities.
Currently, Fuxi is leading initiatives like forming ethnic volunteer teams and the Old Wang Studio to promote grassroots governance and conflict resolution, which contribute to the happiness of the community. They’ve also set up the Fuxi Ethnic Arts Troupe and the Pomegranate Red Propaganda Team to enhance cultural performances and outreach, enriching the community’s cultural landscape.
For instance, the Xing Mountain Community, home to over 3,000 permanent residents—including 2,000 newcomers from 19 different ethnic minorities—stands as a model for integrating new and long-standing residents. The Xing Mountain Pomegranate Red Community emphasizes convenience and benefits by establishing ethnic reading rooms, public squares, elderly care facilities, daycare centers, and artistic teams for traditional performances.
Looking to the future, a representative from Deqing County’s United Front Work Department remarked, “We will continue to strengthen a shared national identity and strive to create a happy, livable home for people of all ethnic backgrounds.”
About the author