Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the economic disparity within Russia, highlighting the stark contrast between Moscow and other regions, leading to a phenomenon referred to as "Four Russias" [11][18]. Group 1: Economic Disparity - Moscow contributes 54% of Russia's GDP, while the remaining 15 cities combined contribute less than Moscow alone [20]. - The average salary in Moscow is significantly higher, with 40% of residents earning over 100,000 rubles (approximately 8,780 RMB), compared to less than 5% in surrounding regions [17][18]. - The article identifies four categories of regions in Russia: impoverished areas, regions with minimal resources, areas maintaining Soviet-era infrastructure, and wealthy cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg [11][15]. Group 2: Population Decline - Many small towns and rural areas are experiencing irreversible population decline at an annual rate of -3% [32]. - The ongoing conflict in Ukraine exacerbates this issue, as many young people are conscripted, further depleting these regions' populations [33][34]. - Public services, particularly healthcare and education, have deteriorated, leading to a vicious cycle of population loss and service decline [35][36]. Group 3: Economic Structure - The wealthiest regions are primarily linked to the oil and gas industry, with Moscow serving as the economic center [38]. - The economic relationship between Moscow and other regions is described as highly vertical, with Moscow controlling the majority of resources and profits [39]. - Transfer payments from Moscow to poorer regions are often aimed at maintaining stability rather than fostering economic growth [41][43].

Group 1 - The article discusses the recent trend of town and street mergers in Guangdong, aiming to reduce administrative levels, save costs, and enhance administrative efficiency [4][10][15] - Guangdong, as the most populous province, is experiencing population changes that necessitate these adjustments, moving from a growth-focused expansion to a more sustainable management approach [12][14][22] - The merging of towns and streets is seen as a way to optimize regional resources and improve spatial layout, reflecting a shift in administrative strategy [15][19][20] Group 2 - The article highlights that while Guangdong is experiencing population inflow, other regions, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, are facing population decline and may soon follow suit in administrative adjustments [22][28][34] - Historical context is provided, noting that past administrative changes were driven by rapid growth, whereas current changes are a response to population stability and decline [10][38] - The article emphasizes the importance of aligning administrative structures with population trends to ensure efficient governance and resource allocation [24][25][26]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent trend of town and street mergers in Guangdong province, highlighting the shift from expansion to consolidation in administrative divisions as a response to changing population dynamics and the need for improved administrative efficiency [4][6][19]. Group 1: Town and Street Mergers - Guangdong's recent announcements regarding town and street mergers aim to reduce administrative layers, save costs, and enhance efficiency [4][6]. - This trend is not isolated to Guangdong; it reflects a broader national movement where many regions, especially in Northeast China, have begun similar consolidations [6][19]. - The merging towns and streets often have small areas, low resident populations, and issues of "separation of people and households," indicating many residents work elsewhere [10][12]. Group 2: Population Dynamics - Guangdong, as the most populous province, continues to experience net population inflow, contrasting with other regions facing population decline [8][19]. - The article notes that while the overall population in Guangdong is growing, certain areas are experiencing declines, which necessitates administrative adjustments [9][19]. - Data indicates that from 2010 to 2020, nearly 1,500 counties experienced population decreases, with about 1/6 of these counties losing over 20% of their populations [26][28]. Group 3: Historical Context and Future Implications - The current mergers echo past consolidations in Guangdong, which aimed to strengthen local economies during periods of high growth [14][15]. - The article suggests that as population dynamics continue to evolve, more regions, especially those facing population loss, will likely follow suit in administrative restructuring [22][32]. - The concept of "reverse urbanization" is introduced, where areas that previously sought to urbanize are now considering mergers and consolidations due to changing economic and demographic realities [34][36].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent trend of merging towns and streets in Guangdong province, aiming to reduce administrative layers, save costs, and enhance administrative efficiency while strengthening the local economy [2][4][19]. Group 1: Background and Context - Several regions in China have initiated town and street mergers in recent years, with the most significant efforts observed in Northeast China, where there have been instances of "reverse urbanization" [3][5]. - Guangdong, as the most populous province, is taking the lead in this trend despite its continuous population growth [7][19]. - The article highlights that the merging of towns and streets is a response to changing population dynamics, transitioning from a phase of expansion to one of adjustment [5][19]. Group 2: Characteristics of Merged Areas - The towns and streets targeted for merging are primarily located in the less developed areas of Guangdong, characterized by small land areas, low resident populations, and a phenomenon known as "separation of people and households" [11][12]. - "Separation of people and households" refers to the situation where many residents work elsewhere, leading to a disconnect between their registered household and their actual residence [12][19]. Group 3: Historical Perspective - The current merging efforts echo a similar wave of town mergers that occurred over 20 years ago in Guangdong, which aimed to bolster the local economy during a period of rapid growth [14][15]. - The previous adjustments resulted in the emergence of several economically strong towns, with Guangdong becoming a leader in "strong town economies" [16][19]. Group 4: Future Implications - The article suggests that other regions facing population decline and negative growth, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, may soon follow Guangdong's example [20][21]. - The adjustments in administrative divisions are expected to align with the trends in permanent population changes, as indicated by recent policy documents [22][23]. - The article notes that nearly 1,500 counties have experienced population declines from 2010 to 2020, with significant portions of these areas located in the Northeast and Western regions [24][26]. Group 5: Administrative Adjustments - The merging of towns and streets is seen as a practical response to high administrative costs and the need for more independent management structures in areas with insufficient populations to justify their current administrative status [37][39]. - The article emphasizes the importance of adapting to urban dynamics and reducing administrative burdens as a long-term strategy for sustainable development [40][41].

Core Viewpoint - The transformation of Yucun village from a mining economy to an eco-tourism model illustrates the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," emphasizing the economic value of ecological preservation [3][4][9]. Group 1: Historical Context - Yucun village, located in Anji County, Zhejiang, was heavily reliant on mining and cement production, with about half of its 280 households working in these industries [3]. - The village faced significant environmental degradation and safety issues, including fatalities among miners, prompting a shift in economic strategy [3][4]. Group 2: Transition to Eco-Tourism - Between 2003 and 2005, under the "Million Project," the village closed three mines and one cement factory, leading to a drastic drop in collective income from 3 million yuan to 200,000 yuan [3][4]. - Inspired by the principle of "green mountains and clear waters are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver," the villagers began to develop eco-tourism and restore the environment [4][5]. Group 3: Economic Growth and Community Development - By 2019, the per capita net income of Yucun residents reached nearly 50,000 yuan, more than five times the income in 2005, demonstrating the financial success of the eco-tourism model [5]. - The village has expanded its tourism offerings, with various residents starting businesses such as homestays, bamboo product manufacturing, and adventure tourism [5][8]. Group 4: Future Prospects and Collaboration - Yucun is now part of a larger initiative involving 23 villages, aiming to create a "high-energy, modern, and international" community, enhancing resource sharing and economic collaboration [8]. - The arrival of over 60 new economic projects and startups in the area indicates a growing interest in sustainable development and innovation, leveraging the village's ecological advantages [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - The transformation of Yucun village from a mining-based economy to an eco-tourism model illustrates the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" [4][10]. Group 1: Historical Context - Yucun village, located in Anji County, Zhejiang, was heavily reliant on mining and cement production, leading to environmental degradation and safety hazards for workers [4][5]. - The village's collective income plummeted from 3 million yuan to 200,000 yuan after the closure of three mines and one cement factory between 2003 and 2005 [4]. Group 2: Transition to Eco-Tourism - The village began to focus on environmental restoration and eco-tourism starting in 2006, leading to the recovery of damaged landscapes and the establishment of tourism facilities [6][10]. - The local economy shifted from mining to tourism, with villagers starting businesses such as homestays and recreational activities, resulting in a significant increase in per capita income to nearly 50,000 yuan by 2019, more than five times the income in 2005 [7][10]. Group 3: Government Support and Vision - The visit of Xi Jinping in 2005 emphasized the importance of sustainable development and the need to prioritize ecological health over traditional economic models [4][8]. - Xi's subsequent visit in 2020 reaffirmed the success of Yucun's green development strategy, encouraging villagers to further convert ecological benefits into economic and social gains [8][10]. Group 4: Community and Economic Development - The concept of "Big Yucun" emerged, promoting resource sharing and collaboration among 23 villages to enhance tourism and economic growth [10]. - New businesses and startups have been attracted to the area, leveraging its natural beauty and infrastructure, with over 1,200 young entrepreneurs moving to the region [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - The transformation of Yucun village from a mining-based economy to an eco-tourism model illustrates the principle that "green mountains and clear waters are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver" [3][4][9]. Group 1: Economic Transition - Yucun village, once heavily reliant on mining, saw a drastic decline in collective income from 3 million yuan to 200,000 yuan after shutting down three mines and a cement factory [2]. - The shift towards eco-tourism began in 2006, with efforts to restore the environment and develop tourism, leading to significant improvements in local income [4][5]. - By 2019, the per capita net income of Yucun residents reached nearly 50,000 yuan, more than five times that of 2005 [5]. Group 2: Community Initiatives - Local leaders, such as Pan Wenge and Pan Chunlin, initiated various businesses, including agritourism and bamboo product manufacturing, to adapt to the new economic model [5][6]. - The village's tourism strategy included marketing efforts to attract visitors from urban areas, significantly boosting local businesses [5][8]. - The establishment of "Dayu Village" aims to integrate resources from 23 villages, enhancing economic collaboration and community prosperity [8]. Group 3: Government Support and Vision - The visit of Xi Jinping in 2005 emphasized the importance of sustainable development and the potential for rural areas to thrive without compromising ecological integrity [3][6]. - Xi's subsequent visit in 2020 reaffirmed the success of Yucun's green development path, encouraging further transformation of ecological benefits into economic and social gains [6][9]. - The focus on "beautiful economy" reflects a broader strategy to leverage ecological advantages for sustainable growth and attract new businesses and talent to the region [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the trend of young people returning to rural areas in Chongqing's Tongnan district, leveraging the internet and e-commerce to explore new opportunities in agriculture and rural development [1][5]. Group 1: Young Entrepreneurs in Rural Areas - Gong Yijia, born in 1992, has been engaged in rural e-commerce for over seven years, successfully selling agricultural products like ginger and rice to major cities and even exporting them [1]. - Jiang Feng, a former kindergarten teacher, joined the "Yumeiren" village broadcasting team, emphasizing the emotional connection and community engagement through live streaming and video content [3]. - Wen Chunlai, the village party secretary, transitioned from running a small renovation company to managing the needs of over 2,000 villagers, focusing on selling agricultural products through live streaming [3][4]. Group 2: Rural Development Initiatives - The "Tongnan Village Broadcasting" brand plan aims to empower locals to promote their hometown's culture and products through the internet, enhancing visibility and market reach [5]. - The trend of "reverse urbanization" is noted, with more urban residents choosing to move to rural areas, indicating a shift towards regional coordination and urban-rural integration [5]. - The initiative is seen as a platform for young people to innovate and start businesses in rural settings, aligning with broader urbanization trends [5]. Group 3: Innovation in Agriculture and Food - Li Youfu, with over 20 years in the restaurant industry, has introduced innovative dishes and snacks, such as lemon-flavored meals, to attract a wider audience [6]. - His online presence, "Tongnan Lemon Brother," showcases the potential of food to connect cultures and markets beyond local boundaries, particularly in Southeast Asia [6].