Lessons from the villages

Learning by example

Zhang's interest in China's rural areas was fueled by Wang, who spoke about the Beyond the City project at Zhang's school in December.

Referring to Wang's speech, Zhang says: "I was impressed by his ambition and vision. He introduced a new world to me, which I had never seen. I was curious and keen to gain more insight and knowledge about the villages."

Commenting on Zhang's visit to his village, Zhao Huanying, 55, a resident of Yanziji, in Huaihua city, in Hunan province, says: "When the young people arrived in the village, which is surrounded by rivers, they were very interested and eager to learn everything.

"Wang has visited my village, which has a population of 1,000, four times and he has stayed in my house.

"The young man, unlike some of the young people, who have been pampered by their parents and grandparents, is humble and independent," says Zhao.