Gu Shengzu, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, has led a research team to conduct field studies in Fujian and Hunan provinces, where they explored promoting rural construction and improving the living environment and held seminars on May 27 and 28. 

The research team, from the Committee of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the CPPCC National Committee, visited villages in a number of cities, where they focused on topics such as rural planning, sewage treatment, garbage sorting, and talent training. 

Gu said that China has made historic achievements in agricultural and rural development since the 18th CPC National Congress, thanks to increased policy support that strengthens agriculture, benefits farmers, and enriches rural areas. 

Gu also said rural construction is both a major task of the rural revitalization strategy and a key component of China's socialist modernization drive, so it should be promoted as one of the country's top priorities. 

Calling for a more targeted planning strategy rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Gu also said it's important to combine infrastructure construction with public services, lay a solid foundation for the development of industries with distinctive rural characteristics, and also attract skilled migrant workers to return home and invigorate rural development. 

He also urged progress in adopting a collaborative model of rural governance, with the participation of different stakeholders, and promoting the two-way flow and exchange of factors between rural and urban areas so as to expedite the revitalization of the countryside. 

Gu said the research team aims to understand the regional implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), address potential issues, and contribute to rural reconstruction via consensus-building and new proposals.