Jiangcun Academy construction begins in Suzhou for rural revitalization

The Jiangcun Academy is currently under construction in Kaixiangong Village, Wujiang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, with the aim of promoting the scholarly legacy of Fei Xiaotong, a prominent Chinese sociologist. The project began in February 2024 and has attracted significant attention from both the academic community and the public. Fei Xiaotong's extensive research in this village, where he visited 26 times between 1936 and 2002, has made it a crucial site for studying rural China. Covering an area of 35.5 mu (approximately 2.67 hectares), the academy will feature teaching buildings and supporting facilities designed to accommodate 300 students. It is expected to be completed by June 2025. The academy aims to serve as a national social survey base and a social science laboratory, contributing to rural revitalization efforts and fostering international influence in social science research. Jiangcun Academy will establish a research base focused on Chinese modernization and four specialized centers: an international social science research center, an economic and social survey and experimental center, a rural revitalization training and demonstration center, and a cultural heritage and innovation center. These facilities will facilitate teaching and research on various topics, including urban-rural integration and social governance. The initiative not only honors Fei Xiaotong's exploratory spirit but also addresses the pressing need for rural revitalization in China. By producing influential and replicable theoretical results, the academy is poised to make a significant impact on the understanding and development of rural communities in the country.