STORY: More young Chinese return to countryside to boost rural revitalization
SHOOTING TIME: recent footage
DATELINE: March 30, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:03
LOCATION: Beijing
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of countryside
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): DU XIAOYI, Head of a seed company in Hebei Province
3. various of countryside
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): CHEN JING, Head of a farming company in Beijing
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): FENG MEIYU, Villager in Qujiangyuan Village in Hunan Province

STORYLINE:

As China moved to advance rural revitalization, more and more young people have returned from cities to the countryside.

As the new-generation farmers or young entrepreneurs, they often brought back funds, modern farming concepts and e-commerce business models to help transform the farming landscape.

Hebei Province
China

Du Xiaoyi was born in Shanzhai Village in Hebei Province. After graduating from college with a degree in computer science, he returned to his hometown.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): DU XIAOYI, Head of a seed company in Hebei Province
In the past, farming relied on weather conditions, but now it relies on technology. Currently, all of my 1,000 mu (66.7 hectares) of wheat fields are managed using 5G technology.
Previously, it was considered significant for one person to manage 20 or 30 mu of land, but now, through digitized management, only a few people are needed to manage 1,000 mu of wheat fields. In this way, through digitized management, we have achieved scientific cultivation, reduced costs, increased efficiency, and achieved abundant yields.

Beijing, China

Chen Jing used to work in a tech company in Zhongguancun of Beijing, a region known as "China's Silicon Valley." She came to the countryside of Beijing after marrying a man whose family has long been engaged in fruit farming.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): CHEN JING, Head of a farming company in Beijing
When I first returned to the countryside to start a business, many colleagues questioned why I chose to become a farmer. I had a good job in Zhongguancun with a decent monthly salary. But I feel that what I'm doing now is particularly meaningful.
I proposed the agricultural-commercial model. When tourists come, they (farmers) become traders; when tourists leave, they work as farmers. We purchase their agricultural products at 30% higher than market price and, upon passing quality tests, the products are packaged and sold by our company. We also provide employment opportunities. Those who work in our agricultural park are all local farmers.

Hunan Province
China

Feng Meiyu, who was once a migrant worker in a city, chose to return to her rural hometown with her husband late last year. She is now selling local specialties via online live streaming platforms.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): FENG MEIYU, Villager in Qujiangyuan Village in Hunan Province
"From late last year to now (March), we have already sold products worth 120,000 yuan (16,600 USD). So, we feel that as long as we ensure the quality of the meat, enhance its quality, and preserve its original flavor, this market is quite promising."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Beijing.
(XHTV)