As China concludes its 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) and embarks on the next five-year development journey, the nation’s countryside has undergone significant transformations. The past five years have seen a vibrant and prosperous rural landscape, with record-breaking grain production, advancements in agricultural modernization, and enhanced livability in rural communities.
A drone photo captured on June 4, 2025, in Pantang Village of Lizhuang Town, Shangqiu City, Henan Province, showcases harvesters reaping wheat, symbolizing the progress in agricultural productivity.
**Technology Reshaping Agriculture**
China’s agricultural sector is undergoing a technological revolution, ensuring food security and rural revitalization. Smart agriculture, powered by AI, low-altitude technology, and information technology, is flourishing. Innovations such as autonomous seeding systems, intelligent seedling nurseries, and smart glass greenhouses are becoming commonplace. For instance, a potato seeding machine equipped with the Beidou navigation system was spotted in Shandong Province, while drones were used for fertilizing wheat fields in Jiangsu Province.
**Technology Modernizing Rural Life**
The technological wave is also transforming rural life, narrowing the urban-rural gap and promoting common prosperity. High-speed trains now pass through villages like Banliang in Hunan Province, and renewable energy projects, such as wind-solar hybrid power plants in Hebei Province, are becoming more prevalent. Technological advancements have also improved education and healthcare in rural areas, with smart classrooms and mobile clinics enhancing the quality of life for rural residents.
**Technology Empowering “New Farmers”**
Improved rural infrastructure and favorable living conditions are attracting a new breed of farmers who are leveraging technology and business expertise to reshape agriculture. For example, Zhang Guihua, the Party secretary of Sunzigou Village in Sichuan Province, promotes local oranges through live-streaming, boosting rural development and farmers’ incomes. Similarly, Wu Guangrong in Guizhou Province has transformed a barren mountain into an ecological park, creating jobs and promoting rural revitalization.
In conclusion, China’s countryside is experiencing a dynamic transformation driven by technological innovations. These advancements are not only enhancing agricultural productivity but also improving the quality of life in rural areas, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.