In the quiet countryside of China's Guangdong province, a village once facing abandonment is now buzzing with the energy of young entrepreneurs. This is Tangkou—a community that has reversed the rural exodus by betting on culture, community, and youth-driven renewal.
A Village Reborn
A decade ago, Tangkou, a historic settlement in Kaiping, Jiangmen, faced a fate common across rural China: rapid depopulation. By the 2010s, only nine households remained. Its traditional Diaolou (watchtowers) and granaries were left to decay.
Today, the story could not be more different. The population has grown to over 2,000 people, 80% of them young newcomers—designers, architects, and digital workers who traded city life for a slower pace. In October 2025, Tangkou earned national recognition, winning a top award at China's first National Conference on Civilized Rural Practices.
"Before, the only noise at night came from dogs," said Fang Jinhao, a young creator who witnessed the change. "Now we have cafés, bookstores, even concerts. Many say this place has more energy than the city."
Culture as the Catalyst
The revival began with architecture. Tangkou lies within the Kaiping Diaolou area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique blend of Chinese and Western watchtowers. Rather than treat these structures as museum pieces, locals and newcomers began reinventing them.
Five grain storage buildings built in the 1970s became the "Grand Granary Bookstore," part of the well-known Librairie Avant-Garde chain. Since opening in 2023, it has drawn visitors from across the country.
Abandoned factories and old post offices have also been transformed into co-working spaces, cafés, and studios. Even a local specialty—fermented bean curd—inspired a latte, showcasing the village's creative take on tradition.
Related news: A 'Fermented bean curd latte' in a century-old mansion: A taste of rural revival in Jiangmen
The Community: A Place to Belong
Key to Tangkou's appeal is its strong sense of community. In May 2025, the village launched the "IE Commune," offering shared workspaces, talent apartments for just ¥100 ($14) a month, and startup subsidies covering up to 30% of costs.
Its slogan: "Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, here you're family." The project quickly attracted 78 new residents, from developers to writers.
But what really sets Tangkou apart is its integration. Elderly villagers teach skills like Zongzi-making; community gardens are tended together by locals and digital nomads.
Why Young People Stay
For many, Tangkou offers a welcome break from urban pressure. At the time, Jiangmen was already planning to explore the town's three key resources—Overseas Chinese culture, Diaolou watchtowers, and natural ecology—to build the "Tangkou Memory" cultural brand. By restoring ancestral halls and revitalizing intangible heritage, they empowered young people to take the lead. This gave creative "new villagers" a stage to shine.
The trend is part of a larger shift in China. A 2022 survey found over 70% of young people now view rural areas more positively, driven by high urban costs and better rural infrastructure. Tangkou's location—two hours from Guangzhou—plus full high-speed internet, makes "working from the countryside" not just possible, but attractive.
Author | Feng Huiting
Photo | Nanfang Daily
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
