Why This Book Matters:

★ A Mirror of Global Rural Shifts:​​ While focused on China, this book echoes universal themes of rural transformation, urbanization and cultural identity—issues faced by rural communities worldwide. It offers an insightful case study for international scholars, policymakers and readers interested in comparative rural studies.

★ ​​Firsthand Insights from a Rural Scholar:​​ The author, a seasoned researcher and native observer of rural life, provides an authentic, nuanced perspective on China’s rural complexities. This insider view is invaluable for outsiders seeking to understand the real dynamics beyond statistics and headlines.
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★ Structured for Easy Engagement:​​ The "Four Seasons" framework (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) organizes the narrative into digestible themes—hope, struggle, reflection, and resolution—making it accessible to global audiences unfamiliar with China’s rural context.

★ ​​Timely and Relevant:​​ As rural revitalization gains global attention (e.g., UN Sustainable Development Goals, EU rural development policies), this book contributes to the international dialogue on how to balance progress with tradition.

★ Supported by extensive field research, this book provides an in-depth analysis of China’s rural revitalization efforts.
★ It presents an authentic portrayal of China’s rural realities, featuring numerous development case studies, blending professionalism with storytelling.
★ Offers readers a profound perspective on rural revitalization, helping them understand the complex dynamics of urban-rural development in China and providing references for similar contexts.
★ Also encourages reflection on social development and the relationship between urban and rural areas.

​​This series consists of 2 books:​​
"Echoes of the Village: A Chronicle of Rural China's Transformation"
"On the Land: The Real Path of Rural Revitalization"

At present, China is at a critical juncture of rapid urbanization and deep social transformation. Rural development is presented with unprecedented opportunities, yet also faces numerous severe challenges.

As an eyewitness to rural life and a dedicated researcher on rural issues, the author of this book offers a comprehensive and profound analysis of rural phenomena. From the dilemmas and opportunities in industrial development, to the challenges of cultural heritage preservation; from the difficulties in grassroots governance, to the actual state of people's livelihoods — the author divides their observations into four parts: "Spring," "Summer," "Autumn," and "Winter." This multi-dimensional and all-encompassing interpretation opens a new window for readers to understand the countryside, broadens the cognitive horizons of the general public, and provides valuable perspectives and materials for researchers and policymakers concerned with rural issues.

Liu Zi​​ (real name: Liu Ruimin)

Liu Zi is a columnist, scholar in rural revitalization and county-level economics, and the founder of the "Rural Builders’ Salon." Having worked in advertising, financial PR, real estate, and finance, he "traveled the world before returning to his roots," shifting his focus to rural research and writing in 2019. He has published over 3 million words of articles on rural observations, humanistic economics, and entrepreneur studies on platforms such as the influential financial media platform Qin Shuo’s Circle of Friendsand the First Financial Research Institute. He is also the author of "Renewal: Liu Yonghao and the 40-Year Journey of New Hope".

Part I: Spring and Nostalgia
01 The Funeral of a Country Spring / 002
02 The Springtime Countryside Market / 009
03 Urban Ills and Homesickness / 017
04 “Village Mergers and Resettlement” and New Homesickness / 025
05 Come, Besiege the City Once More / 034
06 A Country Night Drunk on Spring Breeze / 044
07 Memories of Qingming Festival / 051
08 The Ballad of the Countryside People / 056

Part II: Summer and Troubles
09 Leaving the Countryside / 066
10 Why We Must Revolutionize Toilets / 074
11 From Villager to Citizen / 080
12 From the “Coffin Battle” to the “Mahjong Battle” / 087
13 The Record of Rural “Bigamy” / 094
14 The Other End of the Iron Chain: The Frightening Wave of Bachelors / 100
15 “Save the Children” / 105
16 An Employment Survey of a Village / 112

Part III: Autumn and Reflection
17 Questioning “Urbanization” / 120
18 How the Hometown Collapsed / 127
19 The Journey of an Apple’s Soaring Value / 137
20 No One to Rely on in Old Age / 144
21 Twilight at the Village Gate / 151
22 The Silent Countryside / 158
23 Folk Songs of the Northeast / 166
24 Urbanization Is Not the “End of History” / 174

Part IV: Winter and Return
25 Living in the Hometown / 184
26 The Masculine City, the Feminine Countryside / 189
27 To Attend or Not to Attend a Village Feast? / 193
28 What Kind of Countryside Do We Need? / 199
29 “Don’t Worry” / 205
30 Replacing “Common Prosperity” with “Shared Abundance” / 210
31 The Resilience of the Informal Economy / 216
32 Making Peace with the Hometown / 223

Part V: Questions
33 Is Land Ownership the Lifeline of the Rural Economy? / 230
34 Five Fundamental Issues in China’s Rural Revitalization / 237