Led by teachers, students from two primary schools in Rudong county, Nantong, visited Wu's farming cultural park on July 16 for some thematic learning about the process of farming and traditional Chinese farming culture.

Wu Wenxue, the owner of the park, was engaged in work related to agricultural technology until his retirement. Wu's family has lived in Rudong, a traditional agricultural county, for generations. Although he had witnessed the rapid development and gratifying changes of farmers' lives in rural areas, Wu also felt worried about the fading farming culture.

By building a farming cultural park, inheriting farming culture and preserving rural memories became a major force in Wu's mind. Encouraged by his family, he has raised nearly 500,000 yuan ($71,519) to construct a farming cultural park since 2016.

The old bungalow behind Wu's residence was dismantled and an archaized one named after "Ji Ju" was built. A land for agricultural research and practice was also reclaimed for visitors to appreciate farmers' hardships.

Wu introduced crops and corresponding planting methods to the students at the agricultural scientific research and practice base, much to their excitement.

"I was born in a rural area and have seen some crops before," said Gu Hao, a fifth-grade student from Huanzhen primary school. "The park broadens my horizons. I saw some crops I have never seen before, such as macadamia and Xanthium sibiricum."

Wu's farming cultural park was completed more than six months ago and has been open to the public for free ever since. It has attracted almost 1,000 visitors and a classroom for students outside school.

Pupils in Rudong county experience the hardship of farming and learn more about traditional Chinese farming culture at Wu's farming cultural park. [Photo/WeChat account: dream8086]