Profile:

Chen Xiaojing, Han ethnicity, serves as a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and holds the positions of secretary of the General Party Branch and director of the Villagers’ Committee in Yuantou Village, Yantan Town, Yongjia County, Zhejiang Province.

Additionally, she is pursuing a major in Public Administration at Yongjia College of Zhejiang Open University (OU). On 1 March 2021, she was recognised as one of the National Women Pacesetters for Meritorious Service.

Yuantou Village, nestled beside the Nanxi River, is exceptionally beautiful in March. However, many tourists are unaware that this celebrated "blue-eyed boy" was once littered with garbage, featuring dirty, polluted waterways.

Chen Xiaojing noted that through the combined efforts of the village leaders and residents in recent years, the village has seen a complete transformation, with ecological tourism thriving. Tourists from across the country have been drawn in, significantly boosting the income of the villagers. Chen Xiaojing emphasised the importance of deeply exploring the potential and value of rural tourism resources, offering tourists immersive experiences, and unlocking even greater economic potential from picturesque rural regions.

Chen Xiaojing has been deeply involved not only in economic development but also in the preservation and promotion of Yongjia Kunqu Opera, commonly referred to as Yong Kun. She believes that the considerable importance placed on Yong Kun's protection and inheritance by national, provincial, city, and county governments in recent years has resulted in sustained and enhanced efforts towards its preservation and promotion. There has been significant support through funding guarantees, team development, legislative safeguards, and the creation of new repertoires. The steadily growing popularity and influence of Yong Kun have played a pivotal role in Yongjia earning the distinguished title of "Hometown of Zhejiang Opera.

To further advocate for the safeguarding, inheritance, and revitalisation of Yong Kun, Chen Xiaojing has submitted a proposal titled “Proposal for Further Supporting the Protection and Inheritance of Yongjia Kunqu Opera”. This aims to foster the development of a national performance brand for Southern Opera in Yongjia. The proposal envisions the creation of a national platform for local opera exchanges and exhibitions, which is expected to enhance mutual exchanges and learning among local opera troupes. The ultimate goal is to elevate Yong Kun from a local treasure in Yongjia to a celebrated cultural heritage in China and beyond.

Compiled by OUC Network from Hangzhou News Portal and YJNET