Liao Yingyan, a graduate of Xiamen University's School of Economics, returned to his hometown in Guangxi in 2015, starting his career at the Department of Finance of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In 2021, he made the bold decision to serve as the first secretary in Taohua village, Lingyun county, a poverty-stricken area characterized by rocky terrain and scarce arable land.
Upon arriving there, Liao was struck by the village's barren stone mountains. His six years of experience in policy-making fueled his desire to see firsthand whether these policies were effectively improving lives.
Embracing his role as a learner, he immersed himself in the community, despite language barriers with the Yao ethnic group residents. Early on, he addressed a long-standing problem by securing funds to improve drainage systems that had been causing seasonal flooding, earning villagers' trust.
In the interests of economic development, Liao introduced pigeon farming, drawing on his hometown's culinary traditions. Starting with 3,000 pairs of pigeons, he proved the model's viability before expanding it. During this process, Liao overcame numerous difficulties and managed to cultivate a villager who could lead the industry.
By late 2021, Liao had resolved market access issues, personally transporting pigeons by car when logistics failed. He established stable supply chains and explored online sales, helping expand the breeding industry in Taohua village.
In 2022, the village became the first in the county to distribute collective income dividends, with Liao ensuring all 1,900 villagers benefited.
The village has since been recognized as a model for rural vitalization, receiving county-level honors for industrial development and ecological sustainability. Liao has returned to the Department of Finance, applying his firsthand experience to broader poverty reduction efforts.
