Developing multi-functionality

One of the breakthroughs of this year’s document is its suggestion to promote new industries and new business modes to push forward the supply-side reform in the agricultural sector. The new modes mainly refer to the promotion of rural multi-functionality. Indeed, in recent years, the international academic community has identified four functions played by rural areas. Out of these, China’s rural areas only have two.

Traditionally, rural areas were mainly places for agricultural production and residential communities of farmers. These two traditional functions are given full play in China’s rural areas. However, rural areas can have more diverse functions and become the “back garden” of urban areas. They can be places for tourism, as well as the development base for the cities’ nursing-home industry. These two new functions are already very mature in developed countries, but in China, in spite of great potential, there is still a long way to go to develop the two directions.

With this in mind, the Central Government is laying emphasis on the promotion of new industries and new business modes in the agricultural sector. The new functions are expected to become a new source of rural areas’ rapid growth.

China’s rural natural landscape, local culture and specialty products are very attractive for tourists. Every year, a large number of urban residents travel to rural areas. But many of China’s villages with beautiful sceneries