City dwellers drawn to the simple life of rural China commune
In China's Fujian province, a new generation of commune dwellers have ditched city life to practise sustainable living and mindful consumption.
Former software developer Yang Zhaoyu said he was tired of leading a predictable life; going to college, getting married and finding a stable job.
He wanted to try his hand at organic farming.
30-YEAR-OLD MEMBER OF ANOTHERCOMMUNITY, YANG ZHAOYU, SAYING:
"I just want to completely give up the old life, or find a totally new way of life. And the most important thing of this life style is not about living in the city or in the countryside, but rather a change in your heart."
The collective is called AnotherCommunity and has five permanent members.
It was founded by Tang Guanhua and his wife Xing Zhen four years ago.
And they represent a growing trend.
In a recent poll of people aged 18 to 35 found that 52 percent of those living in smaller towns and cities moved there after spending three years in mega cities.
30-YEAR-OLD FOUNDER OF ANOTHERCOMMUNITY, TANG GUANHUA, SAYING:
"Here you can try the life you want to live. Also you can try to find out what you really want and what kind of life you want to pursue."
Critics in China have called this commune life "unambitious" and a negative influence on society.
But Xing Zhen invites the naysayers to come and try it for themselves.
(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) 35-YEAR-OLD CO-FOUNDER OF ANOTHERCOMMUNITY, XING ZHEN, SAYING:
"In this day and age, I feel that China needs such a group of people to do such a community exploration, and it needs this force. Because my friends often come and say, 'oh, I feel very comfortable here.' I think it is good that it provides a place where people can experience healing."
