As China is advancing rural revitalization, more and more young Chinese people are utilizing their knowledge and wisdom in the design and construction of villages.

A countryside design competition was held recently in Shanghai to encourage the young to contribute more to villages’ development. About 2100 young designers submitted 198 pieces of design works for 6 places across Shanghai, including Yueshi Village in Baoshan district, Jianghai Village in Fengxian district, Maoqiao Village in Jiading district, Hemu Village in Qingpu district, Dongshi Village in Songjiang district and the whole Jinshan district.

(Exhibition of excellent countryside design works)

Shi Shuaibo, a grade one graduate student majored in architecture in Dongnan University, is one of those being awarded in this competition. His renovation plan for Jiading’s Maoqiao Village got the widest praise from the expert judges and won the first prize in the creativity group.

In his view, village tourism is no more than agritainment. In his renovation plan, tourists will not only see original farming scenes but also real rural life. In addition, internet technology will be used to expand sales channels of the farming products.

“What is mostly in shortage in rural areas is people, especially young people. Most of the young and middle-aged people are working in nearby cities with the elderly and children left behind. I think in rural construction, a comfortable working and living environment suitable for young people should be created to attract them back,” said Shi, who also hopes to establish more maker bases in the pleasing natural rural environment.