Strawberry Cafe in Yongwang village. [Photo by He Qi/chinadaily.com.cn]
A dazzling array of Polish ceramics, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the ambiance of a quaint grassy courtyard fills the quaint shop with a rich sense of sophistication. However, this scene is not set in a bustling modern city but in a small village in Zhejiang province.
Located in Ningbo's Yongwang village, Strawberry Cafe is a fusion of online Polish ceramic retailing and coffee products, spearheaded by Wang Qiong. Transitioning from her studio in the city, she decided to open her first offline store in Yongwang village last year.
"When you come to the countryside, you feel incredibly relaxed. I can engage with more customers because it's only in rural settings that you can truly unwind."
"In addition, Polish ceramics draw inspiration from nature, such as flowers, birds and insects reflect the elements of the countryside. Therefore, they harmonize perfectly with rural surroundings," Wang explained.
While the combination of ceramics and coffee is common overseas, it is a novelty in China. Yongwang village provided favorable conditions, prompting Wang to open an offline store in the village. "Having been in business for over a year, it has already exceeded my expectations."
The Artisan Tribe in Yongwang village. [Photo by He Qi/chinadaily.com.cn]
In Yongwang village, a standout rural community excelling in revitalization, such innovative projects are common, leading to the village's repeated honors.
Located in Zhenhai district, the 2.69-square-kilometer village has received numerous provincial accolades for its picturesque environment and effective governance. In 2022, it was designated as one of the inaugural provincial-level "Future Villages".
Guo Chengjun, the village Party branch secretary, aims for dual growth in the village's economy and residents' incomes, creating a future rural community where natives prosper, newcomers settle comfortably, and returnees thrive in entrepreneurship.
According to Guo, in recent years, Yongwang village has revitalized and utilized idle resources within the village, focusing on rural innovation and cultural industries. They have established the "Rural Youth Innovation Hub," integrating offices, homestays, youth apartments, and distinctive neighborhoods.
The Artisan Tribe in Yongwang village. [Photo by He Qi/chinadaily.com.cn]
Artisan Tribe is a prime example, dedicated to creating a hub for artisans and transforming traditional crafts into lucrative new industries that benefit the local community.
In recent years, Zhenhai district has leveraged the influence of time-honored brands like Yong's Gourmet and Jaragou to promote collaboration between artisans and enterprises, involving over 50 intangible cultural heritages and time-honored brands. This effort has driven sales of related products to exceed 80 million yuan ($11 million).
As the first comprehensive exhibition and sales integrated artisan tribe in Ningbo, the Artisan Tribe was transformed from idle space resources within Yongwang village.
In addition to showcasing traditional crafts and selling unique products, the tribe, which is led by Yong's Gourmet, brings together artisans while introducing interactive projects, such as intangible cultural heritage research and learning and cross-border exchanges among artisans.
The Artisan Tribe in Yongwang village. [Photo by He Qi/chinadaily.com.cn]
"We primarily focus on integrating culture with commercialization. Through our platform, we aim to pass down intangible cultural heritage. We believe that only through the dual inheritance of culture and commerce can the skills of intangible cultural heritage truly be passed on," said Zhang Shaohua, the brand director of Yong's Gourmet.
In addition, to meet the housing needs of young talents in scientific research and entrepreneurship in the neighboring region, Yongwang village partnered with a State-owned enterprise to establish supportive youth entrepreneurship apartments.
This project is among Ningbo's initial affordable rental housing endeavors on collectively owned land.
Comprising 400 units, the youth entrepreneurship apartments were finished and operational by July 2023.
"This accommodation option is available to current and graduating students from vocational schools and higher education institutions, offering a complimentary stay of up to 15 days," stated Mao Yunbo, the manager of the apartment project.
Strawberry Cafe in Yongwang village. [Photo by He Qi/chinadaily.com.cn]
The Yongwang village. [Photo by He Qi/chinadaily.com.cn]
The Artisan Tribe in Yongwang village. [Photo by He Qi/chinadaily.com.cn]
