In the mountainous terrain of Sinan county, Guizhou province, a digital transformation is reshaping rural governance. Zhouzhai village has pioneered an innovative approach to civic engagement by conducting monthly village meetings via Douyin livestreams, effectively bridging the geographical divide for its dispersed population.
Under the leadership of village official Zhang Cheng, these virtual gatherings have become a cornerstone of community participation. Migrant workers in Guangdong factories and students on distant university campuses now actively contribute to discussions affecting their hometown—from healthcare reimbursement policies to agricultural development strategies for the local sweet potato industry.
During the December 27th session, Zhang addressed villagers in real-time, clarifying medical insurance procedures and reinforcing regulations against extravagant celebrations. The platform occasionally features healthcare professionals delivering medical advice, creating a comprehensive digital town hall experience.
The initiative emerged from practical necessity. With many residents working outside the province and elderly villagers facing mobility challenges after dark, traditional meetings saw declining participation. Leveraging nearly universal smartphone ownership and existing social media familiarity, the village committee launched its first livestreamed meeting in April 2024.
Results have been extraordinary: viewership surged from dozens to peaks exceeding 20,000, reaching 95% of village households. Through 19 monthly sessions held at 8 PM on the last Saturday of each month, the platform has generated over one million cumulative views and processed 65 community suggestions with complete resolution.
The digital approach aligns with China’s broader rural revitalization strategy, which emphasizes both digital infrastructure and governance modernization in its 2024-2027 development plan. As researcher Li Huahong of the Guizhou Academy of Social Sciences notes, this technological integration helps narrow urban-rural disparities while ensuring farmers benefit from equitable development.
Villagers express strong approval, with one university student commenting, ‘Watching the meeting live made me feel connected to home.’ Others praise the transparency and innovation, recognizing tangible benefits from the digitally-enabled governance model.