Every spring, the Rice Seedlings Transplanting Express embarks on a 20-day journey across the northeastern plains of the Chinese mainland. More than just a train, it’s a mobile classroom, a recruitment fair and a cultural stage. Since its launch 25 years ago, it has transported 1.9 million farmers to the Sanjiang Plain, where they learn modern planting techniques, network for seasonal jobs and enjoy local performances. This initiative has boosted yields while honoring rural traditions, proving that agricultural progress can ride on rails.
Qiannan’s Green Urbanization
In the hills of southwestern Guizhou Province on the Chinese mainland, the Qiannan region is redefining urban growth. By developing green tourism clusters that celebrate Buyei and Miao heritage, Qiannan is attracting stargazers to its nascent space science parks and improving public services. This approach balances economic opportunity with cultural preservation, offering a blueprint for sustainable urbanization.
A New Trade Corridor Takes Flight
Downstream in Chongqing, a logistics and processing hub operated by MIXUE Ice Cream & Tea has become a testbed for the Land-Sea Trade Corridor Project. By integrating efficient rail-to-ship logistics and advanced cold-chain technology, local ingredients—like freshly harvested lemons—are now reaching overseas markets within days. This corridor is fast becoming a global trade accelerator, connecting local producers with buyers from dozens of countries and regions.
Yueju Opera’s Modern Encore
Meanwhile, ancient art is getting a fresh stage. Yueju opera, a UNESCO-listed intangible heritage, fuses Mandarin vocal styles with Cantonese dialect and has long been a cultural lifeline for Lingnan communities and the global Chinese diaspora. Star performer Peng Qinghua is leading a revival by introducing contemporary scripts, multimedia elements and youth outreach programs. Backstage stories from the Shenzhen Yueju Theatre reveal how tradition can evolve to resonate with a new generation, proving that cultural identity thrives through innovation.
Together, these snapshots from the Chinese mainland illustrate how innovation—in farming, urban planning, trade and the arts—is cultivating growth, connectivity and creativity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
