The tug out of poverty

Datou villagers attend a night class to learn Mandarin on March 28. JIANG WENYAO/XINHUA

A presentation ceremony is held every month to award prizes to those who have a good work ethic and performance, while the names of lazy villagers are also made public on another list, according to a report by Xinhua News Agency.

The working group regularly holds tug of war, singing and planting competitions for the villagers to encourage and motivate them.

Last year, each household raised their income by 3,000 yuan ($420) and the village added 11 hectares to its tea plantation and 0.67 hectares to its black fungus field.