A shelter for youth

The village was originally a guesthouse in the Yesanpo Scenic Area. Following upgrades, Cui and his partners combined traditional guesthouse services with the needs of young people seeking short-term relaxation, shaping the community into what it is today, which opened in May this year.

"It provides a third place for young people to come together," said Cui.

Cui's reference to the "third place" draws from the concept introduced by US sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book, The Great Good Place.

The term describes a physical setting distinct from home and work, where individuals find comfort, spiritual fulfillment, and a sense of community. Such places can be cafes, bars, or libraries, where people from diverse backgrounds gather to socialize in an informal setting.

Currently, Guanye is home to over 10 long-term residents, primarily digital nomads who have broken away from fixed locations to work and live. On weekends, the village also attracts 30 to 50 visitors. Their average age is under 30, with about half born after 1995.

Residents with special interests or expertise in areas such as painting, calligraphy, music, medicine, or psychology often share their skills, exchanging them to help cover costs or accommodation.

The laid-back rural lifestyle and the easygoing social atmosphere have fostered a sense of belonging among young visitors.

Liang Siqi, a 30-year-old working in Beijing who volunteered at the village in June, observed that unlike typical youth hostels or guesthouses that primarily offer lodging, Guanye seamlessly integrates with the youth community and the surrounding area, promoting interaction among residents and locals.

She noted that the events at the village are arranged in advance and entirely voluntary.

"If you're interested, feel free to join in. If you prefer to enjoy your own space, you won't be bothered," she explained. "I see it as a sanctuary to recharge my energy."

The positive atmosphere also left an impact on Liu Jie, a 20-year-old university student, who exchanged two weeks of volunteer work for accommodation and meals at Guanye.

During her stay, a resident who happened to be a psychologist generously offered guidance and emotional support to the tenants.

"I had some anxiety before, and this resident's professional advice was incredibly helpful to me," she said.

Liu mentioned that this experience marked her first solo adventure, and these interactions inspired her to explore more of the world.