Local residents also benefit from reforms in the countryside

Editor's note: To mark the convening of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China Daily has selected 10 sets of photo stories that illustrate various aspects of the country's development during the past decade. The photos, posters and videos showcase the achievements and experiences of the Party's cause, and the country under Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. This is the ninth in the series.

Established on Dec 18, 1978, Liupanshui is a young city in the southwestern province of Guizhou. Home to many ethnic groups, it has grown along with the deepening of the country's reform and opening-up policy.

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, Liupanshui has made use of its rich natural resources, turned its "clear waters and lush mountains" into local people's "invaluable assets" and brought them happy lives.

By developing agriculture, featuring the cultivation of cash crops and the expansion of rural tourism, the city has transformed its economic structure in the countryside.

Holding torch festivals at villages of the Yi people, promoting paintings inspired by the traditional Miao embroidery and organizing cliff climbing on karst hills, the city has vitalized its rural areas and helped poor people shake off poverty.

Now, Liupanshui is known for its pleasant weather, rich folk culture and beautiful countryside, and has become a popular tourist attraction.