This combination photo shows abandoned cave dwellings in Shibaping Village near Zhangcailing Village (top, photo taken on Jan. 27, 2019) and the "Home of Happiness" poverty-alleviation settlement in Zhangcailing Village of Yangyu Township, Wenxi County, north China's Shanxi Province (bottom, photo taken on Jan. 27, 2019). For generations, residents of Zhangcailing Village barely scraped a living as a result of geographical isolation, poor infrastructure and lack of supporting industries. To help pull villagers out of poverty, the government increased its financial support encouraging agriculture and husbandry suited to the local conditions. By planting Sichuan pepper, a spice, and keeping livestock, the per capita annual income in Zhangcailing Village rose to 3,800 yuan (564 U.S. dollars) in 2018. Meanwhile in 2017, Zhangcailing Village launched the "Home of Happiness" poverty-alleviation project, and helped relocate 13 residents from seven impoverished households to a brand-new settlement. The "Home of Happiness" offers much improved living condition with full access to utilities and home appliances which used to be out of reach. When there is farm work to do, the residents will help each other in the fields; while in their spare time, those in good physical conditions will pick up odd jobs in cities while the elderly stay behind and enjoy a quiet life. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan)
