The story of villagers building a new community in the harsh desert environment through perseverance and cooperation.
Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases
The Exodus
Villagers migrate to desert area under government policy but face immediate challenges.
Key Events
Migration Announcement — Government announces migration policy Characters: Ma Defu, Ma Hanshui, Magistrate Yang, Secretary PanLocation: Xiji County
Desert Arrival — Villagers arrive at harsh desert location Characters: Ma Defu, Ma Hanshui, Mother Ma, Ma Debao, Wu YuejuanLocation: Desert Area
Mass Exodus — Most villagers leave after first night Characters: Ma Defu, Ling Yinong, Li Shuihua, Bai MaimiaoLocation: Desert Camp
The Stand
Ma Defu makes the decision to stay and convinces others to join him in building a new life.
Key Events
Defiance Decision — Ma Defu decides to stay and build town Characters: Ma Defu, Ma Hanshui, Mother MaLocation: Desert Camp
Persuasion Efforts — Ma Defu convinces others to remain Characters: Ma Defu, Wu Yuejuan, Ling YinongLocation: Desert Camp
The Partnership
The strategic East-West cooperation plan brings Fujian counterparts to assist in development.
Key Events
Strategic Plan — 1996 East-West cooperation plan announced Characters: Magistrate Yang, Secretary Pan, Ma DefuLocation: Government Office
Fujian Arrival — Fujian counterparts arrive to help Characters: Ma Defu, Ling Yinong, Li Shuihua, Bai MaimiaoLocation: Minning Town
The Transformation
Construction and agricultural development transform the desert into a thriving community.
Key Events
Construction Begins — Town construction starts in earnest Characters: Ma Defu, Wu Yuejuan, Ling Yinong, Li Shuihua, Bai MaimiaoLocation: Minning Town
Agricultural Breakthrough — Successful farming techniques developed Characters: Ma Defu, Ling Yinong, Li ShuihuaLocation: Farmland
The Achievement
Minning Town becomes a successful model of poverty alleviation and community development.
Key Events
Town Prosperity — Minning Town becomes successful community Characters: Ma Defu, Ma Hanshui, Mother Ma, Wu Yuejuan, Magistrate YangLocation: Minning Town
Story Breakdown
Government Initiative — Migration policy and strategic cooperation plan
Migration Announcement — Government encourages relocation
East-West Cooperation — 1996 strategic plan implementation
Early Challenges — Initial difficulties and mass departure
Harsh Environment — Desert conditions prove too difficult
Mass Exodus — Most villagers leave after first night
Determination — Ma Defu's resolve to build the town
Personal Decision — Ma Defu chooses to stay
Persuasion Efforts — Convincing others to remain
Development Process — Building infrastructure and establishing community
Success Story — Transformation into a thriving community
Economic Growth — Development of local economy
Recognition — Acknowledgement of achievements
Legacy — Model for poverty alleviation
Since the 1990s, the people and cadre of Xihaigu responded to the national poverty alleviation policy, completed a relocation program, and, with counterpart assistance from Fujian, through hard work and relentless exploration, transformed the windblown, rocky "Dry Beach" into the highly valuable "Golden Beach." They built Minning Town from scratch.
