Children can attend the nearest school, patients can see the nearest doctor, migrant workers can find a real job close to their home... In the eyes of Li Liancheng,

NPC deputy and RTVU graduate, these issues are deeply related to the interests of farmers. The needs of farmers are an indispensible part of the “Chinese Dream”; one cannot be realized without the other.

Li Liancheng is village party secretary of Xixinzhuang Village, Puyang City, Henan Province. He became famous during last year’s “two sessions” for proposing the concept of the “village-level city”. This year, he has become an NPC deputy for the second time and has attracted a lot of attention prior to the opening of the “two sessions”.

The 18th CPC National Congress once again emphasized the “two 100-year” goal, defined the five indicators of an affluent society, and painted a bright future of the “Chinese Dream”. In response to this, Li Liancheng illustrated the Farmers’ Dream: “After three decades of reform and opening-up, farmers are still waiting to realize long-denied dreams: that our children can attend a school nearby; sick villagers can visit the nearest hospital and see qualified doctors; migrant rural workers can find a real job close to home; we can enjoy urban-standard public services; we can live in a good environment…”

Li Liancheng called for favorable policies and strong rural leadership. In order to realize their dreams, farmers need hard work, not empty promises. The government should implement policies aimed at narrowing the gap between rural and urban areas.

Xixinzhuang used to be a poverty-stricken village, but now it is home to 20 companies and has attracted over 8000 migrant workers. The villagers live in apartment buildings and don’t have to pay water, electricity, medical bills and tuition.

The goal of the “village-level city” is not to build a real city, but to give farmers the chance to enjoy urban benefits. In Xixinzhuang Village, the farmers have realized their dream of building a proper education and healthcare system and providing real job opportunities. In addition, the villagers are able to breathe fresh air and enjoy a better environment than urban residents. Li Liancheng is leading them towards a better future.

He said: “I hope that the Chinese government will implement more policies to help us realize these dreams. I believe that the ‘Farmers’ Dream’ is an indispensible part of the ‘Chinese Dream’.”

Li Liancheng:
Mr. Li Liancheng is a member of the CPC and village party secretary of Xixinzhuang Village, Qingzu Town, Puyang City, Henan Province. He majored in rural administration, graduating from Henan RTVU in 2010. He was honored as a “National Outstanding CPC Member” in 2001 and gained the title of “Model for National Labor” in 2006.

By Gu Lilin, Li Yanan