Reference Message Network reported on May 14 that Agence France-Presse (AFP) broadcast an article titled "Young people in China are starting to 'retire' to the countryside" on May 13. The report is compiled as follows: Wang Dong (surname), who has not worked for several months and does not plan to return to work in the near future, has been spending his days in a lakeside city in southwestern China, contemplating the next step in his career. The 29-year-old Wang Dong is one of the young Chinese people who have decided to step off the "(life) treadmill" and "retire" to the countryside to restructure their lives. In Europe or the United States, long-term career breaks are not uncommon, but this phenomenon remains rare in China. Some young people say they want to leave themselves mental space to recover from professional burnout or consider contributing to society in other ways. "You must learn to focus on the present," Wang Dong told reporters at an inn he described as a "youth retirement home" in Dali City, Yunnan Province in southwestern China. He then said, "This period has allowed me to experience things that cannot be measured by material means." After growing tired of his job in the hotel industry, Wang Dong moved into this inn, which he called a "youth retirement home." Since then, he has spent his time practicing traditional tea ceremony, traveling with new friends, and resting. He plans to stay at least another month and said, "I have no specific plans for the future." Since last year, articles about "youth retirement homes" have appeared in large numbers on Chinese social media platforms. These institutions promise to provide people with a respite from the fatigue of urban life. These institutions are located far from major city centers, renting out rooms for weeks or even months, usually offering friendly group activities. Many such places have emerged around Dali, this tranquil small city. Yan Bingyi (surname), the founder of the "youth retirement home" where Wang Dong resides, explained, "I only accept people I can talk to, so there will be no awkward silences... and there will be sparks or resonance between the guests." When AFP journalists visited, residents were comfortably lounging in the sun-drenched courtyard, browsing their phones, chatting, or playing with dogs. The 37-year-old Yan Bingyi said he enjoys preparing meals for everyone or organizing collective activities like camping and hiking. "In life, we all have to face invisible social pressures. When the pressure reaches a certain level, it becomes very difficult," he said. "What should you do then? You must go out, broaden your horizons, and relax." Many young Chinese people are adopting a lifestyle that emphasizes tranquility and mental health. Yan Bingyi explained, "After a short stay here, I hope people can readjust to their lives instead of being completely overwhelmed by urban pressures." There are others who reject the concept of "youth retirement homes," viewing it as merely a marketing tactic. They prefer to channel their energy into recognized goals. Chen Qiankun (surname), 21, is one such person. He left Guangdong Province in southern China to help develop Dongwangzhuang Village in the suburban areas of Beijing. For a long time, the Chinese government has been working to revitalize rural areas. When AFP journalists visited Dongwangzhuang Village last November, this young man was holding a workshop teaching more than a dozen homestay owners and video producers how to shoot and edit content for online platforms. "Taking a break temporarily is not wrong for young people," Chen Qiankun said, but warned against becoming "long-term numb." Otherwise, a wave of young people may want to "really retire." (Compiled/Translated by Lin Xiaoxuan) Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7504138686498554402/ Disclaimer: This article solely represents the views of the author. Please express your attitude by clicking the "Agree/Disagree" buttons below.