Entrepreneurial opportunities bring young Chinese back to countryside

Recalling his first visit to Kashgar three years ago, Liu said: "Their agriculture and traditional businesses were well established, but they knew nothing about e-commerce. So, I jumped at this opportunity."

According to Liu, his website has really improved the farmer's incomes.

"Uncle Murtal only made 6,000 yuan ($960) during his first year of selling online, but this soared to 25,000 yuan in the second year." he said.

Invigorate the countryside

China's urbanization rate exceeded 54 percent in 2014, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, meaning that society has become increasingly more polarized.

Yang Tuan, researcher with Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said: "Rural areas lack talent, which is impeding development. This reverse trend will inject vitality into the countryside economy."

The young are not only bridging the development gap between rural and urban areas, but are also promoting mutual understanding and trust through business connections.

However, starting a business in the countryside is no easy task.

According to a poll of over 4,000 college graduates majoring in agriculture-related subjects, about 67 percent were interested in starting businesses in the countryside, but less than 7 percent actually took action.

A report on the results, published by Shandong Jianzhu University last August, found that underdeveloped infrastructure, financing difficulties and lack of experience were some of the major obstacles.

It suggested that governments should further promote preferential policies for countryside entrepreneurs, and colleges should offer relevant courses to better prepare students.

Moreover, attitudes toward farming must change.

When Yan Qiang told his parents that he was going to start a farming business in the suburbs, his parents were embarrassed of their son's chosen career path.

"You have to be courageous and must stand firm, even when faced with stereotypical opinions," Yan said.

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