From the images below we know there are a handful of entrepreneur-type residents in the village. We also know from our research that most of the socio-cultural values are supported through an exchange of services with residents from other neighboring villages. For instance nursing aides and local businesses cross villages and rely on one another. We would have to see the other villages, but the TAO team has had some discussion that we could improve life in Xian Qiao through a network of connections that combine resources with the other neighboring villages.
The town director is planning a tourism route that connects these villages and would like some input. He is also thinking along the lines of diversity and further networking the villages outside of Chongming (to Shanghai for example). This could potentially strengthen the relationships between the villages as a village network. The image is a sketch of the plan with the villages outlined in blue (we have focused so far on Xian Qiao, in the middle.) The neighboring village, Chu Feng, has established more profitable greenhouses on their land for vegetables and fruits. Xian Qiao is so far planned to be used as a stop for tourists to eat, buy gifts, fish, and rest on a lawn. The empty large houses could be used for local business purposes since that seems to be Xian Qiao’s greatest resource and asset.
well done!
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