By hannover-web.com In an interview with Han Xiaobo, the Party Secretary of Wang Aizhao Town in Dalad Banner, Inner Mongolia, he shared his insights on the revitalization of the “Isolated Village” along the Yellow River. “In total, we’ve relocated four villages and five communities in the floodplain area, which includes 863 households and 2,084 people. Tianjia Gedan is the main focus of our efforts, with 674 households and 1,561 residents,” Han expressed with a sense of purpose.
Recently, the online theme event “Thousands of Years, One River” was launched in Ordos, and a group of reporters followed the team into Dalad Banner to witness the transformation of the Yellow River “isolated village.”
Tianjia Gedan Village is nestled in the bend of the Yellow River, surrounded by water on three sides, with only one dirt road leading out. Historically, the villagers relied on farming the riverbank land for their livelihoods, experiencing both robust harvests in good years and severe struggles driven by the elements. The relentless flooding and icy conditions during winter and spring made life challenging, often trapping residents for weeks, which led to the village being famously dubbed the “isolated village.”
In 2009, the completion of the Deshengtai Bridge offered a glimmer of hope, allowing villagers to construct an 18-meter high “ladder” for access. Villager Lü Qixiao recalled the heartbreaking situations where mourners couldn’t bring caskets into the village, resorting instead to lowering them from the bridge.
Lü’s family has lived by the Yellow River for generations, witnessing the destruction caused by floods that swept away homes and crops. “Every flood season, the raging river feels like a fierce beast, constantly threatening our homes and lives,” Lü reflected.
For generations, frequent flooding has been a significant concern for the villagers, who yearned for the safety of sturdy new homes. However, attempts to relocate Tianjia Gedan Village had failed five times.
Finally, in 2023, thanks to a strategic initiative for ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin, the relocation efforts for Tianjia Gedan Village were revitalized. By the end of November that year, the village’s relocation officially commenced, and the initial fears and anxieties of residents were gradually replaced by the warmth of their new homes.
“Our villagers were skeptical and worried; our job was to alleviate those concerns,” Han stated, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a smooth transition for those affected.
The Dalad Banner took a cautious approach regarding the selection of the new site, planning, and relocation strategies, ultimately developing a comprehensive resettlement plan offering 80,000 yuan for housing and 10,000 yuan for retirement insurance, along with compensation for existing structures based on appraisals.
“For villagers reluctant to move into urban areas, we constructed 191 new homes in the village, applying a per capita standard of 30 square meters—all for an outlay of just 50,000 yuan per person,” Han explained.
Moreover, the principle of “relocating people, not farmland” was applied. A cooperative was established to manage land resources efficiently, empowering villagers economically through agricultural enterprises.
The new village also features a fully automated, eco-friendly animal husbandry zone, as well as sheep farming facilities, alongside projects for waste recycling to support those interested in animal husbandry.
“Currently, all 191 resettlement houses have been occupied, achieving high occupancy and utilization rates at the community service center, indicating residents’ satisfaction with their new lives,” Han shared.
As we toured the relocated village, it was clear that it had transformed into a vibrant community filled with hope. Smooth asphalt roads crisscrossed through newly constructed homes, each equipped with individual courtyards and grain storage facilities. The contrast between the new buildings and the blue sky made a striking impression.
Villager Wang Niu noted that the relocation not only provided safe housing but also addressed long-standing safety issues caused by flooding, while modern agricultural practices opened new avenues for stable income.
“The changes we’ve witnessed—from treacherous muddy paths to smooth roads, dilapidated homes to modern residences, and traditional farming to contemporary agriculture—represent not just a physical transformation but also a shift in lifestyle. Every progression reflects our responsibility and wisdom,” Han concluded, highlighting the rebirth of the Yellow River “isolated village” as a vivid example of ecological preservation and quality development efforts by both the government and the community.
