Gen Z returnee finds a sweet future in hometown's green transition

At the southern foot of the Jinggang Mountains in Ji'an, Jiangxi province, the buzz of bees is becoming part of a new soundscape.

Tianhe town once relied on coal mining as the backbone of the local economy. Today, as the town looks for greener ways forward, a young beekeeper is betting on an old family trade — with some new ideas of his own.

Mao Yuanxiang, a Gen Z returnee, could have started his career in Shenzhen after graduating from university with a degree in cost engineering. Instead, he returned home.

He chose beekeeping, an industry his family has been involved in for generations, and set about giving it a modern twist.

Working with universities, Mao has introduced smart beehives and explored the development of honey-based drinks. He is also planning a bee-themed park where visitors can learn about beekeeping and the natural environment behind it.

His story is part of a broader transformation taking place across Jinggangshan.

Known as the cradle of the Chinese revolution, Jinggangshan is where Chinese revolutionaries explored a new path. The experience gave rise to the Jinggangshan Spirit, commonly described as a spirit of firm faith and hard work, seeking truth from facts and forging new paths, relying on the people and striving for victory.

Tune in to the second episode of China Daily's documentary series Aspiration: One in a Hundred Million and follow reporter Yan An as she visits Tianhe town to meet Mao, a young Party member who is forging a new path back home.

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