Exploring Solutions to Improve the Evaluation of Development of Rural Villages: A Case Study of the Application of the Evaluation for the Construction of Beautiful Villages (ECBV) in a Village in South China

Eco-village development has been considered by the Chinese central government as part of its rural revitalisation campaign and it is seen a crucial/main solution to increasingly serious issues caused urban–rural inequality. A significant number eco-villages are being or will be developed with leadership support under guidance corresponding assessment. However, latest eco-village assessment, Evaluation for Construction Beautiful Villages (ECBV), found have limitations related assessment process, method, indicators, meaning that cannot used perform balanced evaluation social, economic, environmental aspects an eco-village. As assessing essential building it, become necessary balance criteria improve ECBV so can review existing achievements, guide further development, ensure better outcomes. Thus, this paper aims to: (1) identify through case study carefully selected eco-village, Zhenghu Village, repeating process analysing results, (2) propose three possible solutions applying revised components which adopted from internationally recognised sustainability Sustainable Development Indicators (SDIs). The results confirm Besides, research outcomes these also provide ideas improvement other methods. Moreover, developing countries may apply method introduced in formulate their own assessments.