A "happy farm" was launched in Dianzhan village of Chengxiang town, Taicang, Jiangsu province, on May 30.

The 10 mu (0.67 hectare) so-called "happy farm" was divided into 180 small plots, to act as a community farm. So far, more than 100 plots have been rented, mostly by Taicang locals and Shanghai residents. Each plot can also be divided into half and rent for each half is 3,000 yuan ($489.79) per year. Each plot of land has a placard, which includes a number and the owner's name.

The farm provides free seeds, fertilizer and tools, in addition to professional personnel, who are available on-site to offer guidance on planting techniques. To guide crop planting, harvesting and crop rotation, the farm authorities will inform each land owner by phone or via the Internet.

The farm has attracted renters both locally and from Shanghai and offers a place relax while farming and benefit from a healthy lifestyle.

The authorities are now planning to build another farm, which will cover an area of 100 mu.

Edited by Jacob Hooson