A seed, not a diploma

During her stay, Tang taught a creative-writing class at Minjian Primary School.

"I want children to fall in love with reading, to develop a lifelong habit, to move from receiving an education to educating themselves," Tang explains.

For children growing up in these mountains, Tang believes that literature offers "a window to a wider world, comfort for the soul and the strength to grow".

This is the unique power of China's literature-driven rural vitalization, she notes.

"Its uniqueness lies in helping ordinary people feel the charm of literature and enjoy its spiritual nourishment."

Tang was not the only writer knocking on unfamiliar doors during the rural literary program.

Xu also helped Long Zhengqian, a former soldier and poetry lover, find his way as a writer.

When Xu visited his home, Long brought out notebooks filled with verses drawn from military service and years working in rural communities.

Seeking advice, Long asked how to turn a "rich mine" of his experiences into meaningful work.

Xu's answer was direct: write everything down, including every detail of his rural work.

"Record the strengths and weaknesses of the place you're helping to develop. That is the most vivid and valuable literary material you'll ever find," Xu emphasizes, adding that passion is essential.

Beyond workshops and visits, organizers created a literary atmosphere through a morning market event.

Outside the bustling farmers market, the air carried the scent of rain, fried dough and fresh ink from book stalls. Martial artists performed graceful routines, while vendors displayed books, cultural products, and local specialties.

Crowds gathered for poetry games, idiom chains, and literary trivia.

Xu even joined in, attempting a few martial arts moves himself as local villagers cheered him on.

"Shopping at the morning market and also guessing idioms, reciting poetry, and winning prizes — literature suddenly feels close," says a local woman, holding a child's hand.

Li Yiming, from the China Writers Association secretariat, says the initiative aims to give residents new ways of observing life, expressing emotions, and creating beauty.

"When children pick up a pen to write their first story, when villagers recite their own poems by a bonfire — that is when the seeds of literature quietly sprout," Li says.