A country school teacher in central China's Hunan Province is transforming the lives of "left-behind" children using the power of poetry to unleash their creativity and spark confidence.
Deep in the mountains of Hunan's Huaihua City, over 1,300 children study at Suyu Hope Primary School. Chinese language teacher Li Bolin sees herself as an ordinary teacher in this rural school, but her students view her as a hero.
Seven years ago, 28 year-old Li returned to her hometown after completing her education in pedagogical training to teach in the town-level elementary school. Despite the opportunity to work in large cities, she decided to go back to the mountains and contribute to rural education.
"The first time I stood in front of a class here and saw the children staring at me and listening to me so attentively, I realized how important dedicated teachers are for rural children," Li said in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
About half of the students at Suyu Hope Primary School are away from their parents who have migrated to other cities for higher-paid work. For some children who find it hard to speak their minds, poetry is a channel to express their emotional needs.
"In the footsteps of my parents, when they are not at home, I obediently walk every village path," a girl wrote.
As Li explored ways to enrich the spiritual world of her students, she found the value of verse and poetry.
"Poetry can nature a child's romantic spirit. Poems can reveal their beauty and innocence," she said.
To harness the inspiring power of literature, Li created a poetry society for these students. Over the past six years, the dedicated teacher has guided her students in composing over 1,000 poems. She takes them out of the classroom and into the fields, motivating them to write stories and poetry inspired by the natural world.
"Trailing in the sun's footsteps, I'm burned. Trailing in the moon's footsteps, I'm lonely," a boy wrote.
Li believes that writing poetry can help children build a stronger heart and find self-worth to some extent.
"Writing poetry helps give them confidence. A child once told me, 'If I can write poetry, I can also do other things.' They surpass themselves, achieving what once seemed impossible. This power is the most precious thing to gain," said Li.
Dedicated rural teacher in Hunan motivates "left-behind" children through poetry
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
