He said villages like those in Chongming not only guarantee food supply but also function as protectors of the country's ecological and cultural heritage.

This has apparently hit a nerve with those who have abandoned Shanghai's congested streets for the island's wide open spaces.

"I am exploring a new means of cooperation in terms of agricultural production," said Shang. "Even though industrialization helps, my way of natural planting still requires you to use your hands, and the hands of others." She said she has met many young volunteers online, some of whom come over to help her plant seeds and raise livestock.

Hou plans to launch an agricultural education base targeting the younger generation. She is preparing a small piece of land that she plans to share with children who want to plant their own produce.

She said she plans to stick with it until her farm contract expires in 2028. "Now that my life has improved, I'm thinking of ways to help more people live better," she said.