The Anren community, located in Jiande city, Zhejiang province, is a unique initiative established in June 2021, shortly after the area was recognized as a demonstration zone for common prosperity by central authorities. This community comprises Anren village and five nearby, less affluent villages, allowing for shared resources and collective development.
The six villages have unified their 3,700 mu (approximately 250 hectares) of land, enabling comprehensive planning and development. A notable project is a jointly developed strawberry farm spanning 400 mu, with 60 mu contracted to low-income farmers. These farmers receive technical assistance and sales support from larger planters, ensuring a stable income.

Industrial growth has also taken root in Anren, with a production base for the coating giant Nippon Paint established in the village. Job opportunities at this base are available to all community members. Jin Yu, a resident of Houshan village, is one of the beneficiaries, transitioning from e-commerce in the city to a role at Nippon Paint, now earning over 10,000 yuan monthly. The facility is projected to create over 300 jobs once fully operational.

Beyond agriculture and industry, the community is enhancing welfare through homestay tourism and a mini-industrial park. “To achieve common prosperity, we need to enlarge the cake and share it equitably,” states Li Shi, dean of the Institute for Common Prosperity and Development at Zhejiang University.

Special programs have been designed to ensure fair distribution of benefits. For example, 70-year-old Wang Changfa, who previously lived high in the mountains, has purchased a new 368-square-meter home at the mountain’s foot for over 790,000 yuan ($112,645), improving access to education for children and healthcare for the elderly. Anren village constructed and allocated these houses to those in need, with over 200 households benefiting.

Public services have also expanded, including a senior care center that offers affordable meals. Seniors enjoy hearty meals for no more than 5 yuan ($0.7), with those over 90 eating for free. Funding for the canteen comes from donations by local businesses and community members.

The Anren community exemplifies China’s vision of prosperity following the eradication of absolute poverty. Li emphasizes that, while China has achieved rapid economic growth through market principles and entrepreneurship, it is now focused on equitable wealth distribution. Investment in basic public services in rural areas and training for low-income groups are vital for fostering development opportunities.

Nicholas Hope, former director of the World Bank’s China program, highlights education’s role in ensuring sustainable prosperity. He believes that improving the education of rural poor populations is essential to prevent regression. Hope remains optimistic about China’s progress toward common prosperity, noting that rapid development can transform a struggling country into a moderately prosperous one in just two generations.