Conservation and Development – Stories from Chinese Rural Life

CHINA’S long history, vast territory, and multiple ethnic groups have endowed the country with a diverse, colorful culture. The small towns, villages and cottages scattered throughout its rural areas provide salient examples.

Upon entering the 21st century China quickened its pace of modernization. There remain, however, large numbers of people who are content to live in the countryside just as their ancestors did. Despite easy access to a wealth of conveniences via modern technologies, rural dwellers, having inherited the cream of China’s ancient civilization, now seek a balance between the traditional and industrial way of life.