An aerial view captures the orderly layout of a village in Mengyin county, Linyi, where modern infrastructure blends seamlessly with the lush, verdant landscape. [Photo by Liang Ben/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Linyi, a city deeply rooted in the revolutionary Yimeng spirit, will host the 2026 conference on social etiquette and civility in rural areas, gaining national recognition for its transformative approach to rural governance. By integrating historical heritage with modern innovation, Linyi has reshaped its cultural landscape.

The city's strategy centers on "spirit-casting", where revolutionary legacies — like the tradition of offering the first dumplings to martyrs in Zhucun village — are woven into daily life, fostering strong civic pride.

Beyond inspiration, Linyi tackles the challenge of "changing customs" through institutional innovation. By establishing shared public dining facilities and regulating the wedding industry, the city has replaced extravagant rituals with sustainable, community-focused practices, significantly easing the financial burden on young families.

Furthermore, Linyi has turned civility into currency by implementing credit-based incentive systems, where good behavior translates into tangible financial and social benefits. The city encourages residents to transition from passive viewers to active participants in artistic creation, exemplified by local amateur bands and community-led theatrical performances.

By fusing these social advancements with local industrial growth — ranging from modern agriculture and tourism to live-streaming e-commerce — Linyi has created a self-sustaining cycle of prosperity. This "Linyi model" effectively proves that rural civilization is not merely a slogan, but a dynamic, lived experience that empowers citizens and fuels sustainable rural vitalization.