Yang Shangbiao presents guests with dishes in Xiapingfeng village on Jan 15. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Today, Xiadang is connected by multiple access roads. Power grids, internet coverage and water systems now reach even remote villages.

"Industries in our village have flourished," Yang said. "Some grow mushrooms. Some operate agritainment businesses. Others run tea processing factories."

Some residents have also opened supermarkets or small factories outside the township, further expanding income channels.

"In the past, we barely knew anything about cement or bricks," Yang added. "Now the entire village has modern multistory houses."

In a letter responding to villagers in 2019, Xi said he still vividly remembered his three visits to Xiadang.

After three decades of unremitting effort, Xiadang has transformed into a place easily accessible by road with a completely new appearance, Xi wrote, urging villagers to strive to embark on a path of rural vitalization that reflects the characteristics of eastern Fujian.