Zhu Shengxuan. [Photo/China Daily]

Inputs from locals

Before creating the blueprint for his new village reform project in Jijiadun, Kunshan, Jiangsu province, Zhu talked to most of the 142 families in the area to find out what were the things they hoped to retain. This is because he believes it is imperative that, regardless of how beautiful the new architecture in the area is, traditions have to be kept alive.

Echoing his views is Xue Rongquan. The 75-year-old farmer wants to keep the old fishing boat that he had since he was 15.

The farmer also says: "When the reforms are completed next year, I'd like to come back and help build up a farming team to plant rice."

Zhu's efforts have not gone unnoticed by the authorities. After all, the Chinese government has in recent times been emphasizing on the need to fully utilize empty houses and vacant land to develop traditional handicrafts, agriculture and tourism. This year's No 1 Central Government Document, the first policy document jointly released by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, again focuses on agriculture, rural community and farming-related issues.

Together with the local government in Jijiadun, Zhu will also be setting up a gallery comprising old items belonging to many of the old farmers, such as a century-old millstone and brick sculptures in the shape of tigers. One of the goals of this project is to draw more visitors from the cities to learn about the local culture and way of life.

"Young people from these rural areas don't necessarily need to migrate to big cities. With such reforms, land will be valuable and their lives can actually be more comfortable than in urban areas. In the near future, more and more people from the cities will also be willing to relocate to villages, be it to change their lifestyles or to run businesses," says Zhu.