The REAL Rural China 🇨🇳 | S2, EP53

Summary

This video takes us on a journey through rural China, focusing on the lives of elderly farmers who travel from small towns like Jinhe to Tongren, carrying heavy loads of fresh produce to sell. With a glimpse into their daily routine, the video captures their resilience and dignity despite the physical demands of their work. It also highlights the simplicity and beauty of rural life in Guizhou, from the vibrant markets to the traditions like preparing woks for cooking. This heartfelt exploration offers a rare and intimate look at the ordinary lives of people often overlooked in the bustle of modern cities.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video starts by highlighting the daily lives of elderly people in Jinhe Station, Hunan, who are carrying goods and traveling to nearby provinces for work.
• 😀 The elderly farmers, some over 70 years old, face difficulties getting a driver's license due to age restrictions, which makes their daily commute challenging.
• 😀 Jinhe Station, a small and ordinary town in Hunan, serves as a transportation hub for local farmers who travel to sell fresh produce in other provinces.
• 😀 The K7272 train ride, a slow green train, is very affordable, costing only 7.5 yuan (about $1), and it’s a unique way to observe rural life in China.
• 😀 Many farmers use simple tools, like bamboo or wooden poles, to help carry their heavy baskets of goods to the train, showcasing their resilience and ingenuity.
• 😀 The elderly vendors are portrayed as hardworking individuals who carry 20-40 kg baskets daily to earn their living, some traveling as far as Guizhou province.
• 😀 The video emphasizes the significance of community and dignity, showing how these farmers continue their work well into their 70s and 80s, despite physical strain.
• 😀 The video shifts to Guizhou province, which is known for its mountainous landscape and the diversity of ethnic minorities living there, contributing to its rich cultural heritage.
• 😀 In Yunshe village, local traditions are observed, like the process of preparing a new wok, where the community comes together to cook, creating a sense of connection and social bonding.
• 😀 The video highlights the strong community spirit in rural villages, where the elderly are not isolated but engage daily with neighbors and family members, reinforcing the sense of belonging and care.

Q & A

What is the significance of the journey described in the script?

The journey highlights the daily lives of ordinary farmers who travel long distances to sell fresh produce in other provinces, reflecting the hard work and resilience of rural people in China.

What challenges do the elderly farmers face in the script?

The elderly farmers face difficulties in obtaining a driving license, which complicates their transportation to and from the train station. Many are over 60 years old and have trouble navigating this requirement.

What is the 'earth radish' mentioned in the video?

The 'earth radish' refers to a vegetable that can be peeled easily and has a crispy, juicy texture. It is described as a healthy, ecological food, free from chemicals.

How does the train system in the script function?

The train system is simple and not very advanced. Tickets are not sold online or through ticket machines at the station; instead, passengers buy tickets on the train. The ride is inexpensive, and the train stops at small stations along the way.

What is the significance of the villagers' connection in the script?

The villagers share a close-knit community where people frequently visit each other's homes, helping to prevent loneliness. This social dynamic is a key feature of rural life, especially for the elderly.

How do the farmers transport their goods to sell in another province?

The farmers carry their goods, often weighing 20-40 kilos, using baskets suspended on shoulder poles. They travel by train and sometimes by bus to sell their produce in other provinces, such as Guizhou.

Why is the town of Jinhe described as 'too ordinary'?

Jinhe is described as an unremarkable, small town with a simple landscape featuring a river, farmlands, and houses. It is portrayed as an everyday place that does not have extraordinary beauty but represents the ordinary life of rural China.

What role does the traditional wok preparation play in the village culture?

In the village, cleaning and preparing new woks is a community ritual. It ensures the wok is ready for cooking, and it is a social event where people gather, talk, and bond. The process is seen as an important tradition passed down through generations.

What is the significance of the description of Guizhou province in the script?

Guizhou is described as a mountainous region with no flat land, home to many ethnic minorities. The province is known for its lush greenery and waterfalls, and the script portrays it as a beautiful place to visit, especially during the rainy season.

How does the script emphasize the dignity of the elderly farmers?

The script emphasizes the farmers' dignity by portraying them as hardworking individuals who continue to earn their living with their hands well into old age. Despite the physical challenges, they carry out their work with pride and resilience.