An "interaction hub" has been identified in the central part of the village, where visitors and villagers can meet and communicate on a slope surrounded by homes, tourist lodgings and amenities. This epitomizes the organic development behind the project's success, said Luo, who is also deputy head of a Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development panel of experts on traditional villages.

"Songyang boasts a good natural environment, but its economy had lagged somewhat behind that of other areas. It was perhaps a change in mindset, to really leverage its advantages, that brought about all these changes," he said.

Chen Jianwu, Pingtian's Party secretary, said the urban and academic expertise used in refurbishing the village's previously dilapidated structures and in retaining its rural charm complements local government policy and support for vitalizing the countryside, drawing young talent back to fuel the local economy.

"Our villagers can get good dividends when businesses manage their property, on top of the related job opportunities; most of them have had at least a twofold increase in their incomes. The beauty of our village is retained, and our elderly are well taken care of," Chen said.