Chinese and foreign college students seek ideal life in rural Zhejiang
2024-08-19
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Hangzhou, August 17 (China News Service) (Cao Dan Wang Piaopiao) Weaving, shaping, trimming, edge sealing... Under the guidance of a professional bamboo weaving teacher, one bamboo strip after another is transformed into an exquisite fan in Ula's hands. "I come from a village in Russia. I am fascinated by Qingshan Village's low-carbon concept, innovative technology, and beautiful scenery. I have learned a lot here," Ula shared.
Wu La (first from left) is experiencing bamboo weaving skills. Photo courtesy of Zhejiang University of Science and Technology
Recently, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology organized a summer social practice group consisting of 16 college students from China, Russia, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso and other countries and regions to visit Qingshan Village, Huanghu Town, Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, to explore the future appearance of the countryside in the "Story of a Drop of Water".
Qingshan Village is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with a forest coverage rate of nearly 80%. Villagers used to make a living by planting bamboo, rice and seedlings, and the industry was single.
"In 2015, on behalf of the Nature Conservancy, I was in charge of the 'Rural Small Water Source Protection Project' in Qingshan Village. After three years, the water quality in the village reached the national Class I water standard." Zhang Haijiang, the first new villager in Qingshan Village and a post-80s generation, said that after the water quality improved, he stayed and co-founded the Qingshan Nature School, "hoping to continue to convey environmental protection concepts to villagers and children and promote ecological environment protection and biodiversity in Qingshan Village."
At Qingshan Nature School, the members of the practice group learned that this was originally a primary school in Qingshan Village that had been abandoned for more than 20 years. After Zhang Haijiang's team renovated it, they opened nature education courses such as night insect observation and plant rubbings, as well as a series of public welfare and environmental protection activities for the children.
"I admire Zhang Haijiang and his team very much. It is their efforts that make the villagers participants in the green concept and keep the countryside beautiful," said Augustine, a student from Nigeria.
The improvement of the ecological environment has not only attracted a large number of tourists and helped villagers increase their income, but also made this place gradually become a lush "paradise tree", attracting a group of young people to come and innovate and start businesses.
Members of the practice group experience the "Qingshan Harmony" on the ecological lawn of Qingshan Village. Photo courtesy of Zhejiang University of Science and Technology
Maimang Sports, which focuses on water sports and cross-country obstacle races, Lailai Bamboo Weaving, a bamboo weaving studio founded by craftsmen, Greenskin Mountain, a bird watching studio, Parallel Universe, an art installation coffee bar, and the small but beautiful healing center Feasting on Natural Healing...
More and more "new villagers" are combining ecology with art, and have found a way to get rich with the old villagers in the fields of design, architecture, photography, handicrafts, etc. In the past three years, the collective economy of Qingshan Village has grown by more than 60% annually.
"Green mountains and clear waters, suitable for work and living are the future life we yearn for." Jia Jing, a student from Indonesia, said that just as Zhang Haijiang said, Qingshan Village is a village suitable for young people. "Here, I saw how traditional villages can be rejuvenated." (End)
