Chongqing- An old farmer's house was recently turned into a modern academy in one of the key counties under poverty alleviation in China. 

The Weicun Mingde Academy has opened in Hejiayan Village, Youyang County in Chongqing, southwest China. Created by Tencent's Sustainable Social Value Division Weicun Development Lab and Beijing Mingde Academy, the Weicun Mingde Academy is a nationwide creative attempt at cultural innovation.

The exterior view of the Weicun Mingde Academy. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

Youyang County is one of 160 key counties in the country's rural revitalization. Hejiayan Village in Huatian Township is a traditional Chinese village and a creative photography base for Chinese folk customs. What can we do with this unique village in Youyang County to revitalize its culture?

Under the 100-meter Hejiayan cliff, amid green hills and cypress trees, lies Weicun Mingde Academy. The academy was re-built from an old granary. By retrofitting it with a high, bright glass space, the exterior wall with the imprint of the granary becomes more design-oriented and clean.

The interior view of the Weicun Mingde Academy. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

After the Weicun Mingde Academy opens, the Beijing Mingde Academy teachers will offer long-term learning and cultural experience classes. As well as supporting rural cultural tourism and cultural creativity. Integrating rural culture with digital technology will create a sustainable and attractive cultural IP.

After the opening ceremony, professors from the China Institute of Academy, the Beijing Mingde Academy, and other institutions gave lectures on topics such as modern insights from ancient academies, Confucianism, and the spirit of Chinese culture, among others.

"The Youyang government will take this opportunity to promote its traditional culture, encourage farmers to participate in village construction, and develop rural tourism," said Qi Meiwen, the Youyang County Party Secretary.

(Liu, Jingjing, as an intern, also contributed to the report.)