A quiet village in southern China, Mililing, has suddenly found itself in the spotlight, all because of the achievements of one of its own—Liang Wenfeng, a 40-year-old AI entrepreneur and founder of DeepSeek.
From Humble Beginnings to AI Success
Liang grew up in Mililing, a small village with just 700 residents who primarily depend on agriculture and shoe manufacturing for their livelihood. His parents, both primary school teachers, raised him in a modest setting. He began his education at the local primary school before moving on to the prestigious Wuchuan No. 1 Middle School. After excelling in China’s highly competitive gaokao exams, he secured admission to Zhejiang University in 2002, a stepping stone to his future success in the AI industry.
His remarkable journey has drawn widespread attention, turning Mililing into an unexpected tourist attraction.
Tourists Flock to See the Birthplace of an AI Star
Since January, Mililing has been receiving an increasing number of visitors, ranging from curious families to corporate groups on organized tours. They arrive eager to see where the AI prodigy grew up. The tourist surge peaked between January 29 and February 10, during the Spring Festival holiday, when the village saw a staggering 10,000 visitors per day.
While the attention has brought excitement, it has also exposed the village’s lack of infrastructure to handle such crowds.
Authorities Step In to Improve Village Facilities
Faced with growing complaints from tourists, local authorities quickly took action to revamp the village. Roads were widened, new sewage drains were installed, and the entire area received a thorough cleanup. Officials also worked on improving the village’s appearance by refurbishing 29 houses, demolishing old, unsafe structures, and planting trees to create a more scenic environment.
However, not everyone is pleased with Mililing’s sudden fame.
Fame Brings Unwanted Disruptions
Liang’s grandfather, the only one still living in their family’s four-story home, now struggles with constant disturbances. Tourists frequently visit, hoping to catch a glimpse of Liang’s childhood home. Overwhelmed by the attention, he keeps his front door shut for most of the day to maintain some peace.
Some visitors have even taken their curiosity too far—reports suggest that people have started taking small “souvenirs” from the village, including soil, stones, and leaves.
The Double-Edged Sword of Recognition
While Mililing enjoys the benefits of its newfound popularity, the village’s experience serves as a reminder of the unintended consequences of fame. A once-quiet rural community is now adapting to its status as a tourist destination—whether its residents welcome the change or not.
