Nanjie Village
Nanjiecun, located in Luohe City, Henan Province, is globally renowned as a symbol of China’s socialist collective economy and rural revitalization. Established in 1951, this village has pioneered a unique model of communal living, free healthcare, education, and housing for its 3,000+ residents. Under the leadership of Wang Hongbin since 1977, Nanjiecun has achieved remarkable success, with a thriving industrial park producing food, textiles, and machinery, and an annual revenue exceeding $1 billion. Recognized as a “National Model Village” and a Red Tourism destination, it attracts over 1 million visitors annually to explore its socialist heritage, modern enterprises, and egalitarian lifestyle.

Historical Overview
Founded in 1951, Nanjiecun began as a cooperative farming community. During the Great Leap Forward (1958–1961), it faced economic hardships but rebounded by embracing collective labor reforms in the 1970s. Under Wang Hongbin’s leadership, the village transitioned to a diversified economy, integrating agriculture with industry and tourism. Key milestones include the 1984 launch of its food processing plant, the 1991 establishment of the Nanjiecun Group Corporation, and its 2009 designation as a “National Red Tourism Classic Scenic Spot.” Today, it stands as a living testament to China’s socialist ideals, blending Mao-era principles with modern innovation.
Structural Layout
Nanjiecun is organized into four main zones:
- Residential Area: Features uniform apartment blocks with communal kitchens, dining halls, and amenities like free clinics and nurseries.
- Industrial Park: Spanning 200 hectares, it houses 26 enterprises, including the flagship Nanjiecun Beer Factory and Flour Mill.
- Agricultural Zone: Modern greenhouses and automated farms produce organic wheat, vegetables, and livestock for domestic and international markets.
- Cultural & Tourism Precinct: Includes the Nanjiecun Exhibition Hall, Mao Zedong Statue Square, and the Red Memory Theme Park, celebrating socialist history.
Key landmarks are the Grand Auditorium (for village meetings), the People’s Square, and the 18-meter-tall Mao Zedong Monument.
Major Attractions
- Nanjiecun Exhibition Hall: Traces the village’s history through photos, artifacts, and interactive displays, highlighting its economic reforms.
- Mao Zedong Statue Square: A 10-meter bronze statue of Mao, surrounded by red flags and slogans, serves as a pilgrimage site for socialist supporters.
- Red Memory Theme Park: Features replicas of Mao-era landmarks, including the Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Hall and the Zhenyuan County Government Office.
- Nanjiecun Beer Factory Tour: Offers insights into beer brewing and a tasting session of the village’s award-winning “Nanjiecun” beer.
- Communal Dining Hall: Visitors can experience the village’s egalitarian lifestyle by sharing meals with residents.
- Organic Farm Experience: Hands-on activities like wheat harvesting and vegetable picking in the automated greenhouses.
Suggested Itineraries
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Half-Day Tour (3–4 hours):
Exhibition Hall → Mao Statue Square → Red Memory Theme Park → Communal Dining Hall → Beer Factory Tour
Highlights: Core socialist heritage sites and a taste of local beer.
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Full-Day Tour (6–7 hours):
Exhibition Hall → Mao Statue Square → Red Memory Theme Park → Organic Farm → Industrial Park → Communal Dining Hall → Evening Cultural Performance
Highlights: In-depth exploration of agriculture, industry, and cultural traditions.
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Extended Stay (2 Days):
Day 1: Half-Day Tour + Overnight in village guesthouse.
Day 2: Morning farming experience → Afternoon workshop on collective economy models → Farewell dinner with residents.
Highlights: Immersive cultural exchange and learning opportunities.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via the official Nanjiecun website or WeChat platform (up to 3 days in advance).
- On-Site: Tickets available at the Exhibition Hall entrance; queues are shorter before 10 AM.
- Prices:
- Standard Ticket: ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (students/seniors).
- Guided Tour Package: ¥150 (includes transport, meals, and a resident guide).
- Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and military personnel.
Transportation
- By Train:
- Luohe Station (nearest major hub) → 30-minute taxi ride to Nanjiecun.
- By Bus:
- Luohe Long-Distance Bus Station → Route 101 to Nanjiecun Terminal (1-hour journey).
- By Car/Taxi:
- Direct drive from Zhengzhou (2-hour journey) or Luohe (30 minutes).
- Departure: Taxis and buses to Luohe/Zhengzhou are available at the village entrance.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Hours: Avoid 11 AM–2 PM (lunch crowds); visit early (9 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
- Crowds: Weekends and national holidays are busiest; weekdays offer a quieter experience.
- Weather: spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are ideal for outdoor activities.
- Essentials:
- Wear comfortable shoes (extensive walking required).
- Bring sunscreen and a hat for farm tours.
- Photography allowed (no flash in the Exhibition Hall).
- Prohibited items: Smoking in public areas, political banners, and drones.
- Tip: Learn basic Mandarin phrases (e.g., “ni hao” for hello) to engage with residents.