The third episode of the microfilm series "Better Tourism, Better Life, Better World" follows a 62-year-old man in east China's Anhui Province who returned to his hometown in 2013 and has since dedicated himself to the development of local tourism.
"People in the cities need to be exposed to the natural environment," said Dong Jinhe who currently operates an agricultural experience garden at Xiaonanjing Village in Jinzhai County, Lu'an City.
Dong Jinhe, 62 years old, is the founder of the Jinhe Agricultural Experience Garden at Xiaonanjing Village in Jinzhai County, Lu'an City, east China's Anhui Province. /CGTN Photo
"Having lived in the city for over 40 years, I know the desires of people in the cities. They want to return to nature because of nostalgia," Dong said.
He believes that being close to nature can help people release stress, both physically and mentally. That's how he started his project, he was determined to build a place where people can enjoy the healing effects of nature and for that he took advantage of the local natural resources.
Xiaonanjing Village in east China's Anhui Province boasts beautiful natural environment. /CGTN Photo
However, his idea was not widely applauded among his relatives, friends and local villagers. In such a remote and impoverished place, they doubted it would be profitable.
Yet, it didn't stop him from making it possible. After years of construction, the Jinhe Agricultural Experience Garden was founded. It features a tea garden, a reservoir and lines of farmhouses where visitors are able to experience the fun of agriculture by plowing, processing oil and tea in ancient methods, and making noodles.
It has gradually become a unique open-air agricultural museum that traces visitors' memories back to the old days, as well as popularizes the knowledge of traditional farming.
Dong Jinhe demonstrates how to process harvested grains to visitors. /CGTN Photo
Since 2015, the Jinhe Agricultural Experience Garden has benefited over 200 households, including 2,000 farmers. An increasing number of youngsters are visiting the site to learn and have fun.
The site was awarded the "National 4A Demonstration Zone of Poverty Alleviation through Tourism" and "China's Beautiful Leisure Village" recognition by the Ministry of Agriculture.
The microfilm series "Better Tourism, Better Life, Better World" is co-produced by World Tourism Alliance and CGTN with five episodes in total.
Check out the previous episodes: Jiangbian Home and Hand in Hand, Heart to Heart.