'New peasants' return home to relax, prosper in villages

Better latte, than never

Ren was born in Hongcun and left her hometown to study in Hangzhou. She graduated from Hangzhou Normal University in 2019 with a major in teaching Chinese as a second language. Ren later furthered her studies at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, where she obtained her master's degree in 2021.

However, as the pressure of looking for a job increased, she turned her back on the rat race in the city and returned to the village, which is nestled in rolling hills and fields, where she was born and raised.

In early 2023, she opened the coffee shop, which is named Lai Yin. The move was not without its challenges. Her decision was initially met with skepticism by her parents who couldn't understand why she would willingly trade the comforts and opportunities of the city for country life.

She discussed her proposal of opening a coffee shop with the village leaders, who supported her and invested about 300,000 yuan ($41,300) in the business. The first six months of rent was waived.

About 40 square meters in size, the coffee shop, designed by Ren, is a two-floor building constructed from two shipping containers.

The majority of Ren's customers are tourists, cyclists and motorcycle riders who are attracted by beautiful winding mountain roads that stretch for about 20 kilometers. The coffee shop has a parking lot to cater for them.

As Ren has settled back into a bucolic lifestyle, her once-racing mind has gradually attuned itself to the gentle rhythms of rural life. The buzz of traffic has been replaced by the symphony of birdsong at dawn, and the chirps of crickets at dusk.

"I have found joy in the simplicity of life, which allows me to be close to nature and discover a profound sense of belonging," she said.

"Urban life can be fast-paced, stressful, and expensive. Returning to rural areas offers a quieter, more affordable lifestyle with cleaner air, closer family ties, and a slower pace of life, which can be appealing for those seeking better overall quality of life."