Yanwen’s blog

1/16/2025

Recently, I experienced an epiphany that gave the classic Chinese fable "Yu Gong Moving Mountains" (愚公移山) a new and personal significance.

In the original story, Yu Gong, an elderly man nearing 90, lived in a village blocked by two enormous mountains that hindered his family and community. Determined to remove the obstacles, Yu Gong began digging through the mountains with the help of his family. Progress was slow, but he persisted, believing that if he couldn’t complete the task in his lifetime, his descendants would continue. A neighbor mocked his efforts, but Yu Gong remained undeterred. Eventually, his perseverance moved the gods, who sent divine beings to carry away the mountains, clearing the path for the village.

Traditionally, this story teaches us the value of determination, perseverance, hard work, and faith in achieving what seems impossible, no matter how daunting the challenge.

Last weekend, as I chatted with my children, a fresh interpretation came to me: When you persist in pursuing something you truly believe is worth it, your relentless efforts will eventually “move the gods” and bring you what you've pursued. This I have personally experienced.

This brings me to a fascinating innovation in agriculture that embodies the spirit of perseverance and creative problem-solving: using Chinese mitten-handed crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) as an eco-friendly pest control solution.

These crabs are proving to be a game-changer in sustainable farming. Farmers in China have integrated mitten-handed crabs into rice paddies, creating a symbiotic system that benefits both the crabs and the rice plants. The crabs help control pests, manage weeds, and fertilize the soil with their waste, while the rice paddies provide shelter and protection for the crabs.

Dual Yields and Eco-Friendly Farming 

This innovative approach leads to dual yields, with farmers harvesting both rice and crabs. Reports show that farmers can produce 300-450 kilograms of crabs per hectare alongside their rice harvest.

In addition to boosting agricultural output, this method minimizes the need for chemical pesticides. By acting as natural pest controllers, the crabs improve water quality, promote healthier ecosystems, and yield safer, more sustainable food products.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite its benefits, the method does pose some challenges. Farmers must carefully balance the needs of the crabs and the rice plants. For example:

Water Management: While crabs require constant aquatic conditions, rice paddies occasionally need to dry.  

Furthermore, introducing mitten-handed crabs into non-native regions requires caution and monitoring to prevent unintended ecological disruptions.

Broader Implications

This innovation has profound implications for agriculture and sustainability:

1. Sustainability in Agriculture    By reducing chemical inputs in soil and fostering biodiversity, this approach aligns with global goals for sustainable farming. It demonstrates how natural pest management can boost healthy yields while protecting the environment.

2. Economic Opportunities    Farmers benefit from diversified income streams, selling both rice and crabs. As consumers increasingly demand sustainably produced healthy food, this method can command premium prices.

3. Scalability and Precautions     While promising, the technique must be adapted carefully in non-native regions, with controlled trials and ecological monitoring to ensure its long-term viability.

Finally, the crab-rice symbiotic system exemplifies how innovation, when paired with ecological principles, can address complex agricultural challenges. Like Yu Gong’s unrelenting effort to move mountains, this method reflects the power of perseverance and ingenuity to overcome obstacles and pave the way for a better future.

By blending productivity with responsible environmental stewardship, this approach sets a compelling precedent for sustainable farming. With creativity and determination, even the most daunting challenges can lead to transformative solutions.

1/15/2025

Lately, the freezing cold in New York has taken me back to my childhood winters in elementary school in Tianjin. I vividly remember sitting in a classroom with a coal stove near the door, struggling to keep warm. My hands and feet felt like ice, and I spent much of the class stamping my feet and rubbing my hands just to fight off the chill. It was the 1960s, and those winters were brutally cold—miserably so. I talked to my children about this. They really have no idea that back then, even simple comforts, like effective heating, were luxuries.

Fast forward to today, and it's exciting to see how far we've come. The world’s first “trackless train,” introduced in Zhuzhou, Hunan, represents the kind of forward-thinking innovation that not only tackles present challenges but also reshapes the future. This groundbreaking development has significant implications for urban transportation, sustainability, and infrastructure.

Why Is the Trackless Train Revolutionary?  Their main features include:

1. Blending Transport Modes:     By combining the best features of buses, trams, and metro systems, the trackless train offers unparalleled flexibility without the infrastructure-intensive demands of traditional rail systems.

2. Cost Efficiency:     Traditional railways require significant investment in tracks, signaling systems, and ongoing maintenance. The trackless train eliminates the need for tracks, reducing both installation and upkeep costs while providing comparable passenger capacity.

3. Eco-Friendly Technology:     Fully electric and equipped with rapid-charging capabilities, the system supports global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and fosters sustainable urban development.

4. Modular Capacity:     With adjustable carriages capable of carrying up to 500 passengers, the trackless train is scalable to meet the demands of different cities, from high-density urban areas to smaller communities.

5. Precision Navigation:     Utilizing advanced sensor technology and pre-mapped routes, the system ensures precise, automated navigation, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.

Broader Global Implications  

Transforming Urban Mobility:     The trackless train offers a practical, scalable solution for cities with growing populations and constrained budgets. It can be implemented more quickly and with fewer barriers than traditional metro or light rail systems.

Reducing Carbon Footprints:     As cities transition to greener transportation, the trackless train serves as an eco-friendly alternative to diesel buses and conventional rail systems, supporting a sustainable future.

Potential for Global Adoption:     While the technology developed in China, it holds immense potential for worldwide application. Cities in regions such as India, Southeast Asia, and Africa—where infrastructure challenges are significant—stand to benefit greatly.

Flexibility in Infrastructure Planning:     Unlike traditional rail systems, the trackless train doesn’t rely on fixed tracks, making it adaptable to changing urban layouts and evolving transportation needs. This flexibility is particularly valuable for rapidly developing cities or those undergoing urban renewal.

Setting New Public Transit Standards:     If adopted globally, the trackless train could establish a new benchmark for public transportation systems, inspiring innovation in automation, renewable energy, and urban planning.  

Challenges and Considerations  

First of all, the success of the trackless train will depend on how effectively it integrates with established transit networks and urban infrastructure. While China’s centralized planning facilitates such projects, other nations may face challenges due to differing regulatory frameworks, political systems, and funding constraints. 

A Game-Changer for Cities Worldwide

The trackless train has the potential to revolutionize urban mobility, particularly in cities with limited budgets or infrastructure. Its eco-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable design makes it a promising alternative to traditional systems. 

This innovation exemplifies pragmatic, forward-thinking solutions for urban challenges and sets a compelling precedent for the future of sustainable transport. Most importantly, it highlights the potential to democratize access to high-quality public transportation, empowering cities to prioritize connectivity and sustainability for all.

1/14/2025

China is facing an undeniable demographic reality: an aging population. This year, the number of people aged 60 and above has already reached 290 million, accounting for over 20% of the total population. If current trends persist, by 2050, every two individuals under the age of 65 will support one person aged 65 or older. These numbers are irreversible and present significant challenges, but also unique opportunities.

While some view this demographic shift with apprehension, others see it as a chance to innovate. They recognize that the market is changing, along with the needs and preferences of consumers. By adapting to these changes, creative solutions can be developed.

Take Huangshan in Anhui Province, for example. Known for its dual UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage designation, Huangshan is a world-famous scenic area. However, its tourism model has long been constrained by traditional thinking. Visitors typically climb the mountain, enjoy the breathtaking views on the mountain top, and then leave, paying little attention to the equally stunning landscapes at the mountain’s base. This leaves much of the natural beauty untapped.

Additionally, Huangshan's tourism industry faces the challenge of seasonality. During peak times, hotels, restaurants, and scenic areas are overcrowded, while off-peak seasons leave these resources underutilized. Also, young tourists crowd the peak season. This has prompted locals to think beyond the conventional tourism framework.

Why not transform Huangshan into more than just a tourist destination? Why not make it a wellness retreat—particularly for seniors, given China’s rapidly aging population?

In Tankou Village, Yi County (黟县潭口村), just three and a half hours by high-speed train from Shanghai, this idea has come to life. Thirteen vacant houses in the village have been converted into apartments, cafés, and bakeries to host elderly residents from a senior community in Shanghai’s Pudong district. These seniors travel as a group, paying just 150 yuan per day, which covers food, accommodation, and more.

What makes this experience special is the familiarity it preserves. The neighbors are the same as in their original community, the building manager remains the same friendly face and dialect they know, and lifelong friends are there with them. The only difference is that they’re now in a beautiful, serene environment where they can enjoy life together for as long as they choose. A real treat for these city dwellers.

This isn’t an isolated example. In nearby villages, locals are finding creative ways to cater to the senior population. By embracing the inevitability of demographic change, they are transforming challenges into opportunities.

Adaptation and Innovation

In Huangshan, innovation is evident in how resources are repurposed and reused:

- Vacant village houses have been turned into retreats for urban elderly groups, maintaining their sense of community while providing a peaceful natural environment.

- Tourism offerings have shifted to target seniors instead of the traditional younger crowd, revitalizing underused assets and generating sustainable revenue for the locals.

Broader Implications

This approach highlights a critical lesson: what initially seems like a problem can be an economic opportunity. An aging population has the potential to drive growth in industries such as healthcare, wellness tourism, senior retreats, and senior-friendly real estate.

Huangshan’s story demonstrates how embracing change with creativity and a problem-solving mindset can yield unexpected benefits. By rethinking challenges like off-peak seasons, idle resources, and demographic shifts, local communities have unlocked new potential.

Their efforts serve as an inspiring example of adaptation and innovation grounded in cultural and environmental appreciation. By looking for opportunities within challenges, we can not only survive but thrive in the face of inevitable societal change.

1/13/2025

My younger sister, smart and capable, often shares the story of how she navigated the complex healthcare system to secure the best treatment for her husband’s colon cancer. She emphasizes that without her efforts, he might not have survived. We’ve heard her recount this story more than once.

Her repeated storytelling likely reflects a deep need for validation and recognition of her dedication to her family. It serves as a reminder of the critical role she played in overcoming a crisis as profound as battling late-stage cancer.  

Perhaps, in her shoes, many of us would feel the same urge to tell and retell our story. In truth, we might all be like her in one way or another—yearning to be seen, understood, and appreciated for our efforts.  

On the topic of health and wellness, I recently came across an intriguing story about a company in China. The company implemented a policy to encourage employee fitness by tying annual bonuses to physical activity. Employees are required to run approximately 62 miles each month to qualify for a higher bonus. Specifically, they can earn 130% of a month’s salary as an annual bonus if they meet this target.

On the positive side, this policy incentivizes wellness by directly linking physical activity to financial rewards. It could encourage healthier lifestyles, addressing long-term health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and sedentary habits rampant in China today. For the company, it may result in fewer sick days, medical cost and increased productivity.

Another potential benefit is the opportunity for growth in the wellness market. With an emphasis on fitness, policies like this could drive demand for innovations such as wearable technology and health-focused investments in China.

This reminds me of 工间操 (gōng jiān cāo)—"workplace exercise" or "calisthenics during work breaks." These are physical routines that employees perform during breaks, often as a group, outdoors with fresh air, to promote health and refreshment. This practice is common in Chinese workplaces and typically goes with music or instructions played over a loudspeaker.

In the context of Chinese culture, where collectivism often emphasizes shared goals and responsibilities, such incentives align with societal norms. The cultural acceptance of linking personal exercise with professional performance might explain why such policies are more feasible in China compared to other countries.

In contrast, policies like this might face stronger backlash in the United States, where individuality and personal choice are highly valued. Americans often view lifestyle decisions, such as exercise, as personal matters that should remain voluntary. While wellness programs are generally seen as beneficial, making them a requirement for financial benefits could feel coercive rather than encouraging. Employees might resist such policies if they feel pressured to comply, especially when physical ability, age, or health conditions limit their capacity to meet the targets.

Furthermore, Americans place greater emphasis on workplace boundaries. Tying bonuses to personal lifestyle choices could be perceived as overreach, leading to resentment or decreased morale as employees feel their private lives are being micromanaged by their employer.

This policy provides a fascinating case study for cultural comparisons. It highlights key differences in labor expectations and individual autonomy between East and West. In Western cultures, where work-life balance and personal choice are paramount, such policies are less likely to go down well. 

Conversely, in China, the emphasis on collective wellness and shared responsibility makes this approach more acceptable, offering a unique lens into the intersection of culture and workplace practices. Additionally, the practical mindset of many Chinese people comes into play—recognizing the benefits of exercise, and with the added incentive of financial bonuses, they might think, "Why not?"

1/12/2025

Earlier this year, I read with excitement an article titled "China Has Confirmed That Covering a Desert With Solar Panels Changes the Ecosystem. For Good." The findings it discussed were nothing short of groundbreaking.

Chinese researchers from Xi’an University of Technology conducted a study at the Qinghai Gonghe Photovoltaic Park, a massive one-gigawatt solar facility located in the Talatan Desert, Qinghai Province. Their research revealed that large-scale solar installations can positively transform desert ecosystems, debunking previous concerns about the environmental impact of such infrastructure.

Key Findings of the Study

Using the DPSIR model (Driving forces–Pressures–State–Impact–Response), the researchers analyzed 57 environmental indicators, including temperature fluctuations, humidity, soil composition, plant diversity, and microbial activity. Here’s what they found:

Soil Quality: Solar panels improved soil moisture retention and nutrient content.

Vegetation: Plant species grew more abundantly and with greater diversity under the panels.  

Microclimate: Temperature fluctuations decreased, and humidity levels rose, creating a more life-sustaining environment.  

Microbial Activity: Populations of beneficial soil microorganisms increased.

Microclimate: A Key Driver

The shade provided by the solar panels created a localized microclimate that reduced temperature extremes and evaporation rates. This, in turn, allowed for more stable environmental conditions conducive to life.

The Big Picture: Deserts as Dual-Purpose Landscapes

This research challenges conventional perceptions of deserts as barren wastelands. With the integration of solar farms, deserts can serve a dual purpose:

Energy Generation: Producing clean, renewable energy to combat climate change.  

Ecological Restoration: Encouraging biodiversity and combatting desertification.

Broader Implications   The study’s implications stretch far beyond China. It offers a blueprint for sustainable energy development worldwide, particularly in arid regions. By turning deserts into hubs of energy production and ecological rejuvenation, we can address two global challenges—climate change and environmental degradation—simultaneously.  

A Call for Long-Term Monitoring   While the results are promising, researchers emphasize the need for continuous monitoring. This will help ensure that benefits are maximized, and any unforeseen negative effects are addressed promptly.

Changing Perspectives   This study is a game-changer. It shifts how we perceive renewable energy infrastructure: from being a necessary trade-off to a tool for ecological healing. It also promises many development opportunities in desert lands in China and in Africa. By integrating solar farms with desert ecosystems, technology and nature can work together to create a more sustainable future.

Conclusion  As global efforts to combat desertification and promote clean energy intensify, China’s pioneering work in the Talatan Desert serves as a roadmap. It shows us that with innovation and vision, even the harshest landscapes can be transformed into thriving centers of biodiversity and clean energy production.