In the hills of Anji in the Chinese mainland, Chen Zhenyu is rewriting the rulebook on rural development—and he's using trail running as his secret sauce. 🏃♂️🌳
Chen didn't just return home; he came back with a plan: transform forgotten hunting paths into epic courses and turn abandoned cottages into vibrant creative hubs. It's like a real-life open-world game, but with forests instead of pixel art! 🎮➡️🌲
His three-step playbook:
- Reviving Roots: Chen and volunteers have cleared and restored old hunting trails, making them safe and scenic for runners and explorers alike.
- Creative Spaces: Abandoned farmhouses are now art studios, cafes, and eco-lodges, giving local entrepreneurs a boost.
- Community Power: Villagers, visitors, and volunteers collaborate in events, workshops, and clean-up drives—all fueled by trail runs.
By hosting races, workshops, and eco-tours, Chen is fueling local biz, protecting forests, and giving young people new ways to explore and create. It's rural regeneration powered by pure play. 🌱✨
What started as trail clearing has become a movement. Villagers, volunteers, and visitors all share the same goal: keep nature alive and the good vibes flowing. This isn't escapism—it's innovation on the ground, one trail at a time.
Chen Zhenyu's journey proves that when sport meets sustainability, the finish line is just the beginning of a greener future. 🌿🚀
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
