On October 15, 2024, General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered a compelling message to party members and officials at the Gu Wenchang Memorial Hall. His address emphasized a crucial principle for both personal conduct and governance: “Serve your term well, benefit your community.” These eight words originated from Xi’s reflections on the impactful story of Jiao Yulu, which inspired his poem “Nian Nu Jiao: In Memory of Jiao Yulu” during his time working in Fujian.
Xi has often cited the enduring legacies of Jiao Yulu and Gu Wenchang, two county leaders from impoverished regions. Their moving stories and lofty spirits have left a profound impression on him, leading to repeated discussions in various contexts.
When asked about their motivations for joining the Party and their aspirations as leaders, Gu and Jiao offered a dual oath that encapsulated their dedication. Gu Wenchang, in particular, famously declared, “If I can’t tame the sandstorms, then let the sand bury me,” highlighting his unwavering commitment to his people.
This narrative unfolds on Dongshan Island, once ravaged by sandstorms, now transformed into a lush ecological paradise thanks to the tireless efforts of Gu Wenchang. Arriving in Dongshan in 1950, Gu witnessed the struggles of local residents as they battled the harsh elements for survival. His immediate response was a fervent call to action: “What good is the Communist Party if we don’t rescue the people from suffering?”
Determined to make a change, Gu explored over 400 mountain peaks and traversed 30 kilometers of coastline, rallying the community to combat the sands and drought through an extensive afforestation campaign. Despite facing multiple failures due to natural calamities, Gu’s resolve only intensified. His resolute pledge to overcome nature’s challenges inspired his fellow citizens—”If I can’t tame the sandstorms, then let the sand bury me.”
After 14 years of relentless effort, Gu’s perseverance bore fruit: a “green wall” now flourishes along a 141-kilometer stretch of coastline, transforming the lives of the Dongshan people into one of vitality and growth.
Meanwhile, in another part of the country, Jiao Yulu battled his own set of challenges in Lankao County. Afflicted by illness, he nonetheless led the charge against the “three calamities” plaguing the area—sandstorms, saline soil, and waterlogging. Jiao embraced adversity, often stating, “The more challenging the environment, the more it strengthens us.” From his second day in office, he prioritized engagement with the community, traveling over 5,000 kilometers to connect with local teams.
With determination to change Lankao’s landscape, Jiao collaborated closely with residents to assess problems and implement solutions, even while grappling with severe health issues. His motto, “Whether I live or die, I’ll face the sand dunes,” reflects his unwavering dedication. Through immense sacrifice and resilience, he helped turn barren lands into fertile fields.
Decades have passed since the departures of these two influential leaders, yet their legacies continue to resonate. The local flora, including the Casuarina known as “Gu’s tree” and the Paulownia dubbed “Jiao’s tree,” serve as living testaments to their commitment to the people. Today, their stories remain a source of inspiration, epitomizing the ideal of selfless public service.
As Xi Jinping has articulated, “With the Party in your heart, the people in your thoughts, a sense of responsibility, and a commitment to self-discipline, we find our guiding principles.” Gu Wenchang and Jiao Yulu are models of virtue that call us to strive for excellence in governance—ensuring that “to serve your term well, and benefit your community” remains the right path.
