Author: Huang Weitong, Chen Zhehong

Publisher: Jinan University Integrated Media Center 

Date: April 16, 2025

In the picturesque terraced fields of Boluo County, Huizhou, the Tea Culture, Globe Voice Youth Rural Revitalization Practice Team is on a mission to promote Chinese tea culture globally. Armed with cameras, tripods, and drones, the team captures the beauty of Boluo's rural landscape and documents the region's rich traditions, including its ancient practices in Chinese medicine and tea-making. Their work aims to overcome the challenges of sharing local tea culture with a broader audience, contributing to rural revitalization efforts in their homeland.

(The team on the tea mountain in Boluo County )

Addressing Development Challenges in Boluo

Boluo County, nestled in eastern Guangdong Province, plays a crucial role in the Pearl River Delta's development. As a leader in the Millions of High-quality Development Projects, Boluo promotes initiatives like the Luofushan Rim, Dongjiang Gallery, and Hundred Mikes Tea Fragrance to foster rural revitalization. However, the county faces significant hurdles, including the need for digital transformation, a shortage of skilled workers, limited brand recognition, and uneven industrial development.

To address these issues, the Tea Culture, Globe Voice team was formed in July 2024. Under the guidance of Yan Xin, Secretary of the Party Committee at the International School, and Feng Xiaolong, Secretary of the Youth League Committee, this diverse team comprises international students from countries such as Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia. Leveraging their varied backgrounds, they seek innovative strategies to enhance Boluo's agricultural product development and promote traditional tea culture.

(Indian students participate in tea picking.)

Immersing in Tea and Medicine Traditions

The team began their efforts by learning about Boluo’s unique offerings, focusing on its tea products and traditional Chinese medicine. They visited local tea factories and participated in hands-on experiences in Baitang's 10,000-acre tea plantation. By mastering the traditional crafts of tea-making and chronicling these stories, the team aims to connect local history with modern techniques. They also utilized storytelling, including a video narrated by Bangladeshi student He Zhuofan, highlighting Boluo’s tea legacy and sharing it on global platforms.

Their journey included exploring the Luofu Mountain Scenic Area, rich in traditional Chinese medicine culture. Members crafted poetry influenced by local customs, culminating in the short video Poetic Charm at Home and Abroad, which blends cultural narratives with modern storytelling.

(At Luofushan Sinopharm Factory)

Integrating Culture, Agriculture, and Tourism

The initiative seeks to merge agriculture, culture, and tourism, thereby extending Boluo's tea industry and providing new income avenues for farmers. By implementing a tea industry + culture + tourism model, the team believes this approach can leverage cultural resources for economic transformation, driving high-quality development across the region.

Yan Xin commended the model the team developed, showcasing the potential of cultural empowerment in revitalizing rural areas.

Fostering Cultural Exchange and Skill Development

To further support Boluo's growth, the team engaged with local students, sharing cultural experiences and fostering cross-cultural communication skills. During an exchange meeting, Ella from Yemen inspired her peers by discussing her educational experiences in China, encouraging them to embrace diverse cultures and contribute to their community.

Through their expertise in new media, the team also assisted in enhancing Boluo’s agricultural communications. They revamped the local agricultural information platform, helping farmers access crucial updates on weather, pest control, and agricultural practices more effectively.

The team compiled their experiences and findings into a research report titled Exploration of the Practical Path from Cultural Empowerment to Cultural Going Global, offering actionable insights for expanding Boluo's agricultural market presence. Their promotional video, Tea Culture, Globe Voice even earned third prize at the Understanding China Short Video Exhibition, highlighting Boluo's agricultural potential to a wider audience.

Looking ahead, student leader Gan Jiahe expressed optimism about establishing a studio in collaboration with Boluo tea brands to develop enticing products that fuse Chinese culture, paving the way for Boluo's agricultural offerings to shine on the global stage.