The stunning success of DeepSeek, a leading AI company, has not only placed its founder, Liang Wenfeng, in the global spotlight but also turned his once-obscure hometown into a bustling tourist attraction. Mililing, a small village in southern China, has become the center of attention as thousands of visitors pour in daily to experience the place where the AI pioneer grew up.
From Humble Beginnings to AI Stardom
Liang Wenfeng, 40, spent his formative years in Mililing, where his parents worked as primary school teachers. He completed his early education in the village before moving on to Wuchuan No. 1 Middle School, a prestigious institution in the region. His exceptional academic prowess helped him secure admission to Zhejiang University in 2002, a feat made even more remarkable given the competitive nature of China’s gaokao (national college entrance examination).
Today, as the founder of DeepSeek, Liang has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing AI, leading to widespread recognition of his work. However, his success story has unexpectedly transformed his quiet hometown into a must-visit destination.
Mililing Village: A New Tourist Magnet
Once a relatively unknown and underdeveloped village, Mililing has witnessed an unprecedented surge in tourism. What was once a quiet settlement of 700 residents—many of whom are involved in agriculture and shoe manufacturing—has become a hub for eager visitors seeking to connect with the roots of the AI genius.
According to village committee director Liang Wenfen, since January, groups of travelers, including families and company employees, have been visiting Mililing in droves. During the Spring Festival holiday (January 29 to February 10), the village received as many as 10,000 tourists daily.
Tourists Take Stones as Souvenirs
In their quest to take a piece of Mililing home, many visitors have begun collecting stones from the village as souvenirs. This unusual practice has added to the fascination surrounding Liang Wenfeng’s childhood home, with tourists hoping to gain inspiration from the very ground he once walked on.
While the increased foot traffic has brought economic opportunities to the village, it has also led to challenges, particularly for Liang’s grandfather. As the only resident of their four-storey family home, he has found himself overwhelmed by the influx of tourists. To maintain some level of privacy, the elderly man has resorted to keeping his front door shut for most of the day, highlighting the unintended consequences of the village’s newfound fame.
Authorities Step In for a Village Makeover
Recognizing the impact of tourism, local authorities have taken steps to revamp the village, enhancing its infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of visitors. The facelift aims to preserve the village’s cultural heritage while providing better amenities for both residents and tourists.
The Broader Impact of Liang Wenfeng’s Success
The transformation of Mililing serves as a testament to the power of individual success in shaping entire communities. Liang Wenfeng’s achievements in AI have not only inspired aspiring tech entrepreneurs but have also put his village on the map. This phenomenon mirrors similar instances worldwide, where hometowns of renowned figures experience a surge in tourism due to public fascination with their origins.
While the village continues to navigate the opportunities and challenges that come with sudden fame, one thing remains clear—DeepSeek’s rise to prominence has had a ripple effect far beyond the tech industry, turning a once-quiet village into an unexpected symbol of inspiration and ambition.
Key Takeaways:
- DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng’s AI success has brought global attention to his humble hometown, Mililing.
- Tourism in the village has surged, with 10,000 visitors per day during peak seasons.
- Visitors collect stones as souvenirs, adding to the village’s unique appeal.
- Liang’s grandfather faces privacy challenges as a result of the influx of tourists.
- Local authorities are upgrading the village, recognizing its newfound significance.
Mililing’s transformation highlights how success stories can reshape not just industries, but entire communities. As DeepSeek continues to make strides in AI, the world will undoubtedly keep an eye on both its groundbreaking innovations and the village that gave birth to its visionary founder.
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