Russia, resort help Jilin locales prosper

In 2023, Zhao helped launch a light textile processing factory in his hometown, with startup capital that included 300,000 yuan from the village collective, a personal investment of 300,000 yuan and 200,000 yuan from villagers. The factory, which produces artificial trees and luggage, has created jobs for nearly 30 residents from Nanyang and surrounding areas.

"With the diligent efforts of the villagers, our hometown has flourished over the past few decades," Zhao said. "It has become not only a beautiful tourist destination that welcomes more than 10,000 visitors annually, but also a hub for local industries. I feel very proud to be part of this."

The factory's first batch of products is scheduled for shipment to Russia in August.