Recently, the International Symposium on Rural Studies and Rural Revitalization, hosted by Guangxi University and co-organized by the Agricultural Geography and Rural Development Committee of the Geographical Society of China, was held at GXU. Pro. Dr. Xia Guoen, member of GXU Party Committee and Vice President, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Pro. Dr. Hualou Long, Fellow of UK Academy of Social Sciences and Director of the Agricultural Geography and Rural Development Committee, delivered a speech on behalf of the co-organizers and chaired the keynote address session.

Dr. Xia extended a warm welcome to the attending experts and scholars. He pointed out that the comprehensive implementation of the rural revitalization strategy requires strengthening top-level design and adopting more effective measures to mobilize powers. GXU has actively attempted and explored in the field of rural revitalization, forming teams to delve into the countryside to understand the actual situation, and jointly discussing development plans with rural officials and masses. The research results have been remarkable. He hoped that attendees would spark ideas through this event and contribute wisdom and strength to promoting the revitalization of rural areas in China.

Dr. Long pointed out that China’s unique geographical and institutional environment makes it an international hotspot for research on rural development and rural revitalization. The practices in these fields in Guangxi can provide valuable experience and insights to the international community. This symposium will help share and promote new research findings, and advance the study of rural issues in China.

The symposium focused on “Rural Studies and Rural Revitalization,” delving into the challenges, opportunities, feasible development paths, and strategies facing rural development. During the keynote address, experts and scholars shared their research findings. They were Prof. Michael Woods, Fellow of UK Academy of Social Sciences and Professor at Aberystwyth University, Prof. He Shenjing, Fellow of UK Academy of Social Sciences and Professor at the Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation of the University of Hong Kong, Prof. Darren Smith, Fellow of UK Academy of Social Sciences and Professor at Loughborough University, and Researcher Li Yuheng from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS.

The symposium also included interactions and roundtable meetings, with more than 180 professionals and students from related fields participating.