On June 28, 2025, the "Future Close-up" program arrived in Dongguan, bringing together 25 young delegates from 15 countries and regions. During the height of the lychee season, they embarked on an immersive journey that seamlessly blended the rustic beauty of the countryside with the creative pulse of Dongguan's thriving art toy culture.

Dingpenghuang Area, Dongkeng Town — Witnessing Rural Revitalization

The delegation began their visit in Dingpenghuang Area in Dongkeng Town, Donggguan, a model village under Guangdong's High-Quality Development Project in Hundreds of Counties and thousands of Towns and ten thousands of villages. Upon arrival, participants were immediately captivated by lush greenery, traditional farmhouses, and the fresh countryside air.

At the traditional Ancestral Hall, the delegates admired the exquisite craftsmanship. The village features lush natural landscapes, centuries-old trees, and beautifully preserved traditional architecture. The farmhouses, revitalized through micro-renovations that preserve their original appearance, received particular praise.

A university student from the Middle East shared: "The integration of tradition and modernity here is perfect. Visiting these villages helps deeply understand China, offering unique perspectives."

Russian participant Julia was especially fascinated by the ancestral hall's architecture, often pausing to take photos. She observed: "admired how the government balances modernization with cultural heritage preservation, highlighting a ‘human-centered philosophy' in city and village planning."

As the afternoon sun filtered through the trees, delegates rested beneath a 200-year-old camphor tree in Dingwu Village, savoring freshly picked lychees and wampees offered by friendly locals.