A Model for National Progress
Sanming, a city in Fujian Province, China, has become a beacon of spiritual civilization, offering a model for other regions in the country. As Professor Hao Lixin from the School of Marxism at Renmin University of China notes, Sanming’s spiritual civilization construction, which focuses on utilizing local advantages, excavating and protecting historical and cultural heritage, and pioneering new mechanisms and models for urban-rural integration, provides valuable lessons for借鉴.
A Historical Legacy
The legacy of Sanming’s commitment to spiritual civilization dates back to 1984 when the first national spiritual civilization construction work conference, known as the FiveSpeaks, FourBeauties, ThreeLoves campaign, was held in the city. This event cemented Sanming’s status as one of the cradles of national spiritual civilization.
Recently, a symposium commemorating the 40th anniversary of the national FiveSpeaks, FourBeauties, ThreeLoves campaign was held in Sanming. The event highlighted the city’s achievements in this field over the past four decades.
A City Transformed
Sanming’s transformation is evident in the widespread satisfaction and awareness among its citizens. In a simulation assessment organized by the Fujian Provincial Civilization Office in 2023, Sanming residents showed a 98% awareness rate and a 97.7% satisfaction rate with the creation of a civilized city.
One of the most striking examples of this transformation is the village of Xiaojiao in Sanming’s Yuanqu District. A decade ago, Xiaojiao was a place of dilapidated dwellings and muddy roads, with foul-smelling poultry waste and unsanitary conditions. Today, it stands as a model of rural revitalization, thanks to a comprehensive approach to environmental and spiritual improvement.
A Greener, Cleaner Xiaojiao
Starting in 2011, the local authorities in Xiaojiao village focused on both environmental governance and the enhancement of spiritual civilization. The village, following the mountain-field-village-water-road spatial pattern, was divided into three ecological zones: residential, ecological agriculture, and ecological forestry.
The transformation included connecting the village’s sewage network to a nearby treatment plant, guiding villagers to dismantle their old latrines, and build clean sanitation areas. This initiative not only improved the living conditions but also fostered a harmonious coexistence with nature.
As a result of over a decade of effort, Xiaojiao has been upgraded in terms of rural civilization, earning titles such as National Forest Village, Provincial New Rural Community Model Village, and Cross-Strait Rural Development Demonstration Village. The villagers have actively participated in cultural activities, showcasing their local traditions and customs on a new practice stage for spiritual civilization.
Cultural Empowerment for Rural Revitalization
Zheng Yougui, the former director of the Second Research Room at the Institute of Contemporary China, notes that the cultural characteristics of Xiaojiao, with its deep agricultural roots and local flavor, have become vital resources for rural revitalization. The village’s success in leveraging tourism for wealth creation is a vivid example of the empowering role of spiritual civilization in rural development.
A Nationwide Model
Sanming’s commitment to spiritual civilization is not limited to rural areas. The city has established the country’s only thematic exhibition hall for spiritual civilization construction and offers free access to various cultural venues. In urban settings, it has created Fortune culture-themed parks, volunteer service stations, and in rural areas, it has built family tradition halls and school youth palaces. These initiatives have brought spiritual civilization directly into the lives of the people, achieving full coverage of new practice centers (offices, stations) in both urban and rural areas.
Conclusion
Sanming’s journey in spiritual civilization construction serves as an inspiration for other cities and regions in China. By leveraging local strengths, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering new models of urban-rural integration, Sanming has not only transformed itself but also offers a blueprint for national progress and development. As Professor Hao Lixin aptly puts it, Sanming’s experiences are lessons for借鉴 that can light the way for other cities striving to enhance their spiritual civilization.
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