Amid the hustle and bustle of Beijing, 25-year-old Ren Binglin sought a refuge that could provide peace from the demanding city life. His journey led him to a unique destination: a youth retirement village set in the serene landscape of China’s mountains.
Ren Binglin, a photographer and digital nomad, found himself overwhelmed by the expenses and fast pace of Beijing. Originally from Henan, Ren had no fixed abode in China, drifting through hostels and rented spaces. This lifestyle contributed to his decision to explore a novel concept he discovered on Xiaohongshu, a popular Chinese social media platform akin to Instagram, which revealed a village that promised tranquility without the traditional caregiving associated with retirement homes.
The youth retirement village, located 180 miles southwest of Beijing, in Hebei Province, attracted Ren with its picturesque views and promise of community life among peers. The images of mountain views, a swimming pool, and youthful camaraderie were enough to convince him to visit on the same day he discovered the place. The accessible train journey, costing just over 10 yuan, brought Ren to this retreat, and he soon found himself amidst like-minded individuals.
Accommodations were modestly priced at 3,600 yuan per month, which included both board and lodging. Ren’s room offered expansive views and basic amenities, yet the true luxury was the peaceful environment that stood in stark contrast to the city’s loudness. The mountain silence, punctuated only by the occasional bleating of goats, was a refreshing change for Ren, enhancing his overall experience.
Most guests at the village were young adults, primarily Gen Z and millennials, though Ren noted a few older visitors as well. The atmosphere was casual, where crossing paths with interesting individuals was a daily affair. Ren continued his work in AI photography during his stay, noting that the village functioned as a temporary retreat for many dealing with personal or professional challenges.
Engagements with the village founders revealed a deeper mission behind its creation. One of the founders, who hailed from the village, aimed to rejuvenate his hometown and offset the rural exodus of youth seeking work elsewhere. As such, the retirement village concept served both to bring people together and foster a sense of community in a slowly fading rural setting.
Daily life in the village included ample opportunities for socializing and participating in activities ranging from picking persimmons to hiking and meditation. Ren particularly enjoyed evenings by the riverside where attendees gathered around a fire, sharing stories over beers. These moments provided not just recreation but also a chance to forge genuine connections, a rarity in urban environments.
The change from city life to that of the village landscape allowed Ren and others to recharge their mental and physical energies. While his connection to the retreat was significant, Ren observed notable changes in acquaintances who returned to their city lives more reserved and less open than during their time in the mountains.
Ren Binglin’s stay at the youth retirement village in China represents a compelling exploration of alternative living arrangements for young adults seeking respite from urban pressures. The experience in the mountains provided him with emotional and physical refreshment, illustrating not just a personal transformation but also a broader societal shift towards seeking peace and community.
Source: Businessinsider
