Local residents, media people, first-time home buyers, investors, Alibaba families, artists, digital nomads, and returning locals each brought a different energy into the village. Together they changed its social texture, cultural tone, and sense of belonging.

The more interesting question is not only who arrived. New residents joined local activities, opened shops, organized events, and eventually began welcoming others. Those choices, repeated over time, gave the village its character.

People on the move change the character of a place

Adapted for English from the original Chinese essay.