Imagine waking up in a serene county in the Chinese mainland—sunlight filtering through rolling bamboo hills, the smell of fresh tea leaves and woodsmoke dancing in the air. That’s Anji for you! 🌿
Just 20 years ago, this place was all about mines and cement plants. Locals like Pan Chunlin spent their days covered in soot, hauling rocks before dawn and returning late at night. Young people were leaving for good, seeking cleaner jobs in big cities.
Then, in the early 2000s, Anji’s local authorities made a bold move: they closed those mines and pumped resources into restoring the environment. Fast forward to today, and Anji’s economy thrives on bamboo manufacturing, renewable materials, and rural tourism—no heavy industry in sight! 🌱
Here’s the tea (literally): thousands of homestays welcome visitors chasing that slower, nature-filled life—think Bali’s rice terraces or Sri Lanka’s tea estates vibes. Tourism now makes up over 20% of farmers’ income. Pan proudly says his family can earn in a day what took years before!
Cleaner air, clear rivers, and new startups are luring young people back. It’s a perfect example of a just transition—shifting from resource-hungry industries to a sustainable future that benefits everyone.
Anji’s journey shows that when we put nature first, real economic magic follows. Who knew saving the planet could be this inspiring? ✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
