For our eighth episode, we collaborated with TONG to discuss China’s countryside and the blooming trend of reverse migration from city to countryside.
Across the country disillusioned city-dwellers are seeking solace, relaxation, and adventure in the previously forgotten haven of China’s countryside.
Mei Zhang from WildChina speaks with Jenny Zhang and Stefan Harvey from TONG on why people is back to the Countryside, who it encompasses and implications for the future.
Listen to Episode 8
Episode Overview
- 01:25 – What is the Chinese countryside and how has it changed
- 04:40 – Mei’s perspective on the countryside
- 09:40 – Group 1: Those seeking short-term/weekend trips to the countryside
- 12:22 – The pandemic’s effect on Chinese domestic remote tourism and implications for international tourism trends once borders reopen
- 14:10 – Glamping in China
- 15:49 – Two main types of domestic tourism interests, adventure and relaxation
- 18:08 – Group 2: Those seeking the countryside for long-term relocation/lifestyle changes
- 23:09 – Challenges of moving from the city to the countryside
- 25:01 – Communes in China
- 25:46 – Group 3: Individuals who are seeking a sustainable lifestyle
- 29:26 – Aestheticizing the countryside lifestyle
- 35:07 – Implications for businesses
You can also listen to The China Travel Podcast on:
Places, resources and tips mentioned in the podcast:
- WildChina On The Ground in Yangshuo
- BBC article on “involution”: The buzzwords reflecting the frustration of China’s young generation
- TONG: The Future of Luxury Tourism in China
- WildChina x China Institute series, Taste of China: Organic farming in Guangdong
- Ningxia wine movement: The Best Wineries in Ningxia
- Yitiao YouTube channel: 一条Yit
- Liziqi YouTube channel: 李子柒 Liziqi
- BBC article: Rare orchids found in City of London bank’s rooftop garden
