Afghan students explore rural revitalization secrets through Jiujiang grape harvest

JIUJIANG, Aug. 4: Two Afghan students from Jiujiang University stepped into the countryside of Yongquan Township on August 3 to participate in the filming of a documentary on rural revitalization, gaining a first-hand look at how modern agriculture is transforming rural communities in Jiangxi Province.

KAZIMI MORTAZ and MIRZAIE NAJLA, both from Afghanistan, toured the rural landscapes of Yongquan Township in Chaisang District, visited standardized grape plantations, and picked grapes themselves to learn about the industrialized development model of local characteristic agriculture.

"I was truly impressed by the neatly organized grape bases and the well-structured industrial plans here," said MIRZAIE NAJLA. "The large-scale, standardized modern agricultural system is highly sophisticated. It shows such strong industrial strengths and vitality compared with the fragmented farming methods back in my home country."

NAJLA, who had participated in a cultural tour of Jiujiang's historic sites just days earlier, noted that this rural experience gave her a completely different perspective on China. "In the city, I saw China's historical depth. Here in the countryside, I see its developmental momentum and the tangible benefits that well-planned industries bring to ordinary people."

For KAZIMI MORTAZ, the visit offered more than just agricultural insights. "The villages are so tidy and beautiful, and the local residents are incredibly warm and welcoming," he observed. "What struck me most is how the grape industry has genuinely helped villagers increase their incomes. You can see the results in their faces and in the quality of life here."

MORTAZ, who noted that Afghanistan imports a wide range of daily necessities and agricultural supplies from China, said the field trip gave him a deeper appreciation of China's industrial capacity. "Seeing the rural development up close helps me understand why China's products are so competitive," he explained. "It starts from the ground up — from the planning of farms to the efficiency of production."

The two students spent the day walking through the vineyards, learning about cultivation techniques, and speaking with local farmers about their experiences with the modern agricultural model. The documentary they participated in, titled "Yongquan Grapes: The Secret to Rural Revitalization," aims to showcase how the township has leveraged its unique agricultural resources to boost the local economy.

The "Understanding China" series, under which this activity falls, has been actively organizing immersive experiences for international students, including cultural tours, museum visits, and now rural fieldwork. The program serves as a valuable platform for overseas students to witness China's development story beyond textbooks and to foster cultural exchanges and mutual learning between young people from China and across the globe.

"The whole experience was eye-opening," NAJLA said. "I came to China to study, but activities like this help me understand the country in ways no classroom ever could."