In the Name of the People: The Handong University Faction Is No Clique

Li Zheng returns to Handong and throws himself into the practical work of rural revitalization at the grassroots level. Outsiders often pin the development of this land on a few capable individuals, unaware that Handong’s path to revitalization has never been a lone struggle by one person. It is a collective effort driven by many builders rooted on the front lines and devoted to their hometown. After the newly appointed first secretary stationed in the village takes up the post, he sets to work with the goals of establishing sound governance and unlocking local initiative, treating the existing development bottlenecks as challenges to overcome. Faced with this grassroots official, who bears a heavy responsibility and gets things done pragmatically, Li Zheng chooses not to oppose him. Instead, he works with him in a compliant and practical manner. The message he conveys is clear and firm: Handong’s model of revitalization is the result of long-term practice and gradual evolution, so its underlying principles must be respected and progress made step by step. This exploration, which will shape the future of the countryside, has only just begun. The forces driving development on this land are the product of a grassroots ecosystem built up over time, and cannot be changed lightly. This exploration, which will shape the future of the countryside, has only just begun.