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Astrid Schnitzer-Skjonsberg first visited China in 2015 when she explored Beijing and was amazed by the scale and efficiency of its subway system. But her recent trip to Xishuangbanna in Southwest China's Yunnan province was an entirely different experience.

"Here in Xishuangbanna, I wake up to the sound of roosters," said Schnitzer-Skjonsberg, an Austrian PhD student. "It's fascinating to see two such distinct sides of China."

She was one of nearly 70 students from more than 13 countries — including China, Austria, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Brazil, and the United States — who took part in the Summer School of Global Development& Country and Region Studies, organized by China Agricultural University (CAU) from July 3 to 12.

The students spent the final days of the program visiting Dai ethnic villages in Xishuangbanna, where they explored local culture and observed rural revitalization efforts firsthand.

For Thiago Negrini Pedro, a 25-year-old Brazilian student at CAU, the traditional water-splashing festival stood out as a highlight.

"Many villagers — and even our professors — joined in the water-slashing," he said with a smile. "It was a fun event that brought everyone together."

At first, some students were hesitant, recalled Song Yuxuan, a 21-year-old CAU student. Unfamiliar with the tradition, they worried it might be seen as impolite. However, once they learned that, in Dai culture, splashing water is a symbol of blessings, they eagerly joined in.

"It was truly touching to see young people from different backgrounds laughing together and sharing sincere wishes," Song said.

Pedro was also struck by the region's traditional stilt houses and noted that many villagers were transforming them into guesthouses for tourists. "The old buildings are carefully preserved, and the new ones blend seamlessly with traditional architectural styles," he said.

Celine Sung, a 25-year-old recent graduate from Columbia University in New York City, was also impressed by how local customs coexisted with modern life in the villages.

"The people here have managed to preserve many aspects of their culture — from architecture and dance to daily customs — while also embracing a modern and comfortable lifestyle," she said.

Genuine connections

According to the local government of Yunnan, the three villages visited by the students — Mankongdai, Mankongmai, and Manluanzhan — have generated over 1.1 million yuan ($153,286) in revenue since launching a series of tourism initiatives in 2024.

One standout project is a cafe converted from an old water tower, which serves unique coffee blends made with local ingredients like tamarind and lemongrass.

Sung and her friends visited the cafe almost every day during their stay. "The cafe not only helps boost tourism and support the local economy, but it's also become a gathering spot for villagers," she said. "It's a perfect example of how modern spaces can integrate with traditional surroundings."

For Song, the significance of rural tourism goes beyond economic growth.

"It's about nurturing the spirit of the community," she said. "It empowers villagers, making them more confident and open in their own lives. At the same time, these projects are designed with local traditions in mind, ensuring that they retain their cultural identity."

Beyond sightseeing, the students formed genuine connections with local people.

Pedro met a young entrepreneur who had set up a hamburger stand next to the cafe, serving burgers with local flavors. The two even exchanged recipes.

"In China — and around the world — many young people leave their hometowns for big cities in search of better opportunities," Pedro said. "But if they can see a future in their own communities, many would choose to stay."

Sung recalled a memorable moment by the pool when a 10-year-old local boy approached her and her international friends to talk about the latest social media trends.

"We're all consuming the same content — whether in China, Brazil, the US, or Japan," she said. "That moment made me realize just how small and interconnected the world really is."