Summary of the Core Content
This news article, based on the personal experiences and observations of the non-fiction writer Yan Haijun, narrates the transformation of Yabian Village in Gansu—a typical arid village in the northwest of China—during the wave of urbanization. The village has evolved from a place with lush water and grasslands in its history to one facing water scarcity, abandoned farmland, and a brain drain of young people. It also discusses the ups and downs since the implementation of the household responsibility system for agricultural production, as well as the efforts made by Yan Haijun to preserve the village's cultural heritage through rural development initiatives such as building an art gallery. The story reflects the contradictions within China's rural society during this period of rapid change: the dilemma between leaving and staying, the conflict between traditional agriculture and modern development, and the quest to preserve the roots of the countryside amidst urbanization.
I. Water Scarcity and Abandoned Farmland: The Struggle for Survival in Yabian Village
The biggest challenge faced by Yabian Village is water scarcity. Yan Haijun recalls that as a child, the small river used to flow freely, but by 2023, it had dried up completely. In the past, people had to walk several miles to fetch water from distant sources, and they relied on rainwater stored in underground wells (which was of poor quality). The lack of water makes farming extremely difficult; while crops like corn and potatoes can be sold for money, they require a lot of water, whereas drought-resistant grains yield little and are not profitable. As a result, many farmers choose to abandon their fields and move to cities to work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an elderly farmer asked Yan Haijun, “When will the ‘plague’ of not farming in rural areas end?”
Another serious issue is the monoculture of crops in Yabian Village. Farmers mainly grow corn and potatoes, while traditional grains such as millet are being increasingly neglected, and the old varieties of these crops are on the verge of disappearing. Although the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is committed to preserving genetic resources, Yan Haijun believes that keeping them in warehouses is not as effective as planting them in the fields, as only through practical use can they be truly preserved. He wrote “Yabian Agricultural Affairs” to document the farming activities associated with the twenty-four solar terms, aiming to preserve this valuable agricultural knowledge.
II. From Collectivism to Individualism: The Changes and Constants in the Village
The development of Yabian Village has been influenced by significant policy changes:
- The Era of Collectivism: Collective efforts led to the construction of terraced fields, water channels, and agricultural roads, as well as the introduction of mechanized harvesting and milling technologies. This improved crop yields from 45 kilograms per mu (about 2.25 tons per hectare), although they were still low due to organizational and labor constraints.
- After the Household Responsibility System: Initially, when land was distributed to individual households, yields increased to 80 kilograms per mu, solving the food shortage problem. However, with a decline in the workforce (young people moving to cities), infrastructure began to deteriorate (e.g., water channels were damaged), leading to further difficulties in farming.
- New Century Policies: Electricity was introduced in 2003 (more than 100 years after Shanghai), concrete roads were built in 2013, and the Tao River water diversion project provided a solution to the drinking water crisis. Targeted poverty alleviation measures such as the abolition of agricultural taxes and subsidies for converting farmland to forests helped improve living standards. Today, there are no extreme differences in wealth within Yabian Village.
However, these policies have had unintended consequences. With the decline of collective efforts, village public affairs have fallen into disrepair; for example, damaged water channels are not repaired, a common problem in ecologically vulnerable villages.
III. The Dilemma of Urbanization: The Conflict Between Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay
Yan Haijun observes, “Those who leave do not understand the hardships of those who stay, and those who stay do not understand the worries of those who leave.” This is the paradox of urbanization:
- The Brain Drain: Less than a hundred people remain in Yabian Village; most are elderly. Young people either work in cities or move there in search of better opportunities and a higher quality of life.
- The Pain of Those Who Stay: The remaining elderly face challenges such as water scarcity, abandoned farmland, and the anxiety associated with the decline of farming in rural areas.
Yan Haijun’s view on urbanization has changed. Ten years ago, he was unsure whether he would return to the village; now, he believes that urbanization should be approached with moderation. It is necessary to help farmers who move to cities settle down properly (by providing housing and jobs) while preventing the countryside from becoming deserted. His research into the history of the northwest region, his investigations into the current rural situation, and his efforts in rural development all aim to preserve the roots of the village.
IV. Cultural Rural Development: Bringing Vitality to the Village
Despite its poverty, Tongwei has always valued culture (as Jia Pingwa once noted, many farmers’ homes display calligraphy and paintings). Yan Haijun hopes to bring vitality back to Yabian Village through cultural activities:
- In 2025, he plans to build the “Yabian Art Gallery,” using funds raised to renovate an old building. The gallery will host events such as agricultural proverb exhibitions (written by local farmers), sketching competitions (with participation from art students), and calligraphy shows (co-hosted with a professor from the University of Chicago).
- The significance of art: Although there is a gap between art and practical needs, it can play a role in educating people about beauty—showing children that art is all around them (even a farming tool like a hoe can be seen as a work of art). By encouraging farmers to engage in artistic activities, they can cultivate their tastes, and visitors can appreciate the beauty of the countryside.
Yan Haijun has also learned from the “Rural Art Cooperative” in Yangdeng Town, Guizhou, by showcasing the works of Yabian Village’s artists in other places. This not only helps preserve cultural heritage but also makes the village more visible to the outside world.
V. The Future of the Countryside: Finding a Balance in Times of Change
The story of Yabian Village is representative of many rural areas in China, facing issues such as water scarcity and population aging, along with efforts to improve conditions through policy changes and cultural development. Yan Haijun’s actions demonstrate that the future of the countryside does not lie in either a return to traditional ways of life or complete abandonment. Instead, it lies in finding a balance—allowing cities to integrate farmers while preserving the village’s cultural heritage, traditional practices, and agricultural knowledge. After all, the countryside is more than just a place for farming; it is also a spiritual home for the Chinese people.
As Yan Haijun says, “To survive on this land, one must constantly strive with it.” This spirit of perseverance is the very essence of the enduring vitality of rural China.