In recent years, Songzhuang village in Sandu township — located in Songyang county in Lishui,  Zhejiang province — has undergone a remarkable transformation through the collaboration of three groups: locals, new settlers, and returning natives.

The ancient village, once facing decline with most residents leaving for urban jobs, began its revival in 2016 through a preservation initiative that restored its ancient houses, bridges and pathways.

The improved environment attracted Sun Pei from Shanghai, who relocated here in 2017. She helped local farmers market peaches through innovative packaging and online promotions and initiated an art program where elderly residents create prints using local produce.

These artworks have been developed into cultural products that generate shared profits.

Sun Pei introduces her art program in Songzhuang village, Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

In 2022, Sun established a homestay that employs local residents, sources local ingredients and involves villagers in tourism activities. She also repurposed old buildings into new facilities including guest rooms, cafes and cultural spaces.

The village's development inspired native Ye Haibo to return in 2023 after working away to start his own hospitality business.

In 2022, the township established a committee comprising all three groups to discuss development strategies.

Recently, nine new business owners settled there while 22 returning natives have come back to start ventures. In 2024, the village's cultural tourism revenue topped 5 million yuan ($698,955).

By bringing together the strengths of locals, newcomers and returning natives,  over 60 percent of villages throughout Songyang have now developed new industries — including homestays, cultural creativity ventures and wellness tourism, leveraging over 1 billion yuan in commercial investment.