Youth revitalize Zhejiang's countryside

Not all of Huzhou's young rural entrepreneurs arrived from elsewhere. Cai Xinqiao was born in Shanlian town in Nanxun district, the birthplace and main production center of Huzhou writing brushes, or Hubi — traditional Chinese brushes long renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship. As the fourth-generation inheritor of the Zhang Xiaofeng writing accessories brand, he embraced a craft with a thousand-year history, but refused to be bound by convention.

From livestreaming in factories to developing cultural products, Cai has launched more than a hundred new products and secured 18 patents. His brush sets were handed out as official gifts at an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting last year, and his business has helped more than 300 residents find work and increase their incomes.

"Many young people like us have returned to their hometowns," Cai said. "Around us, there are not only people engaged in making writing brushes. Huzhou is also home to purple clay craftsmanship, paper-cutting, and bamboo and wood handicrafts. There are many industries like these. Those who come from families with inherited businesses are especially willing to return home and carry on the work."

These young people come from different places and different walks of life. But the aspiration is shared: to take root in the countryside and build something that lasts.

chenye@chinadaily.com.cn