Welcome to Episode 42 of Meet China, where the spirit of tradition collides with high-tech innovation in the heart of the Chinese mainland. This special episode unveils how rural areas are transforming into hubs of modern efficiency and cultural revival.
Tonglu County: Delivery Dominance 🚚
Once a quiet agricultural haven in Zhejiang Province, Tonglu County reinvented itself as the birthplace of the private express delivery industry. It all began in 1993 when local farmer Nie Tengfei founded the first private courier service. Today, the county is home to the “Big Four”—STO, YTO, ZTO, and Yunda—which handle 70% of the Chinese mainland’s 500 million daily parcels. With innovations like AI-powered sorting, drone-assisted deliveries that cut long journeys to minutes, autonomous vans with a 200 km range, and a vibrant "Express Technology Town" hosting 400 logistics firms, Tonglu is reshaping the traditional landscape into a smart logistics powerhouse.
Yunnan’s Blossoming Prosperity 🌸
In Yunnan Province, a striking transformation is in full bloom. Producing 70% of the Chinese mainland’s cut flowers, the Jinning District is at the forefront of a rural renaissance. High-tech greenhouses employing coconut fiber substrates, climate control, and triple-filtered irrigation boast yields letting agriculture student Du Junbao achieve remarkable returns. Cooperative models empower villagers—providing technical training and flexible work opportunities, as seen with working mother Tian Cai'e—to reinvent traditional farming with modern methods.
Jixian’s Apple-Driven Growth 🍎
Shanxi’s Jixian County is experiencing an economic uplift thanks to its apple industry. By enhancing product quality through advanced technology, extending the industrial chain, and tapping into e-commerce, local farmers have seen per capita GDP growth above 5% annually, with an impressive 11.8% jump in 2023. This innovative approach has injected new vitality into the local economy and set a trend for sustainable rural development.
Reviving Yu Opera: Tradition Reimagined 🎭
The centuries-old Yu Opera from Henan’s Yellow River basin is undergoing a modern renaissance. Esteemed performer Chang Xiaoyu keeps classical techniques alive, while Zhu Xuguang of the Henan Yu Opera Youth Troupe introduces contemporary costume aesthetics and creative twists. This dynamic collaboration has not only preserved a cultural treasure but also attracted young audiences, ensuring that the art form remains vibrant and relevant.
From smart logistics to green innovations and artistic revivals, Meet China Episode 42 celebrates how rural transformation in the Chinese mainland is bridging the gap between heritage and modernity. Stay tuned for more stories that inspire and inform!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
