Country lifestyle attracts people to village

Huangshandian also offers study tours for children. They include science classes and experiences, such as identifying medicinal plants in a herb garden and learning about the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunar calendar through farming experiences.

"My favorite projects are adventures in the mushroom house and the outdoor pumpkin rolling classes. They are different from what I learn in school," a child surnamed Zhang told China Tourism News about a recent visit to U World Nature Education Farm in Xiacun village, Fangshan district.

Besides a campground, a playground and a viewing area for crops, the 330,000-square-meter facility has a restaurant, cafe, library and animal zone. It has received 45,000 visits since its trial operation at the end of July, according to China Tourism News.

Li Qiang, manager of U World Nature Education Farm, told the newspaper that he considers the farm a powerful vehicle for vitalizing Xiacun village. His ultimate goal is to grow it together with the countryside.

More than 30 out of the 50-plus employees of U World are locals, according to the news report. The farm purchases raw materials from nearby companies and farmers, and sells their products on its online platform.