A shift inland
The upgrade of China's manufacturing sector is also driving the return to the countryside. Due to rising labor costs in coastal areas, many industries have shifted to labor-rich inland provinces.
With a population of 108 million, Henan has attracted many entrepreneurs. Their costs are lowered with the financial support of local authorities.
In 2015, Ren Lianjun, 31, moved his clothing and toy factory from Guangdong to his home in Henan.
"In the past, villagers migrated to cities to work, but now jobs are following people back to the villages," said Ren.
He has 48 workshops and employs about 5,000 people. Most orders come from the south. Now his workers are busy making 20,000 uniforms for firefighters in Taiwan.
"I used to think cities were more developed. Now I find more advantages in rural areas. I have more time to care for my parents," Ren said.
In Shangshui county, more than 110,000 people have found jobs in their hometown and 20,000 have been lifted out of poverty since 2012.
"But it's far more than an economic benefit. It allows villagers to stay near their families. There are fewer children and elderly people left behind in rural areas," said Ma Weidong, Party chief of the county.
Zhao Xiuying, 77, a rice farmer for decades, never expected to find a job assembling fishing nets in a factory in her village. She says work wards off boredom and raises her income.
Her employer, Tian Guanghui, 31, used to be a sales manager for a foreign company in the city, but chose to return to the village two years ago to start a fishing gear factory after finding how cheap labor was there.
It's been hard work, but he's proud. "When my business gets better, I will invite all my fellow villagers, young and old, to work in my factory. They are the people I will never forget," he said.
