International students from Shanghai University, representing 15 countries including Russia, Italy, and Pakistan, recently explored the culture and agriculture of Huahong Village in Shanghai's Baoshan district, immersing themselves in the traditions and daily life of a modern Chinese rural community.

From learning how a grain of rice is planted and harvested to digging and sowing potatoes in the spring fields, the students gained hands-on farming experience while discovering the essence of China's enduring agricultural heritage.

Seated around wooden tables, they traced the full cultivation process of rice, from seeding to harvest, guided by traditional tools, real grain specimens, and animated displays.

Donning straw hats and rolling up their pants, the students stepped into the fields to plant rows of potato tubers. Their laughter mingled with the sounds of spring as local teachers explained the importance of properly spacing the seeds.

In addition to farming, the group enjoyed Huahong's picturesque landscapes and vibrant folk traditions. As they wandered along winding field paths, they picked wildflowers and later pressed them onto canvas bags as keepsakes.

"I'm taking back a bit of China's spring — the kind smiles of the elderly women and the scent of blossoms," said Solomon, a student from Ethiopia, proudly holding up his handmade souvenir.

Thanks to Shanghai's ongoing rural revitalization efforts, suburban villages like Huahong are becoming living windows into Chinese history, values, and modern development. With its fusion of tradition, lifestyle and emerging industries such as agritourism, Huahong stands as a shining example of rural transformation.

The immersive visit was designed to connect international students with the essence of the modern Chinese countryside while promoting greater cross-cultural exchange.

As the sun set, the students waved goodbye to their hosts, looking forward to returning in the autumn to witness the harvest.

Source: Baoshan district government