Pastures of possibility

More urban dwellers are discovering the charm of China's countryside, where tradition blends with modern lifestyle.

According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in the first quarter, rural tourism across the country received a total of 707 million visits, marking an 8.9 percent year-on-year increase. Total revenue from rural tourism reached 412 billion yuan, up 5.6 percent from the same period last year.

Urban families seeking meaningful escapes are helping transform these once-quiet villages into thriving hubs.

Liu Xing, a mother from downtown Jiaxing, is one of them. She brings her daughter to the countryside to experience nature.

This summer marks her second visit to Dongxing dairy farm.

"The first time we came, my daughter had just turned one and was still a bit timid," Liu says, gently helping the now 18-month-old feed milk to a calf.

"This time, she's much more curious and daring. It's a joy to watch her interact with animals like this."

It is a contrast to life in the city, where her family mostly ends up at malls for leisure.

Liu is already planning future rural trips.

"When she's older, we'll take her fruit picking, camping, and to places where she can learn where our food and traditions come from," she says.