After graduating from Nanjing Agricultural University with a degree in vegetable science, Zhangjiagang native Lu Haiyang decided to leave his stable job two years after to return to his hometown to start a family farm.

"As a member of the 'post-90s' generation, I need to live my own life," said Lu.

He had dreamed of living an idyllic life and of planting various crops since childhood.

Upon his return home, Lu traveled for several months and finally chose Nangang village as the place to start a 0.53-hectare family farm that focuses on smart agriculture.

After years of research and operation, Lu not only grows dozens of fruit and vegetables in his farm, but also raises poultry, forming a small ecosystem. 

The vegetables and fruit growing in Lu Haiyang's family farm. [Photo/zjgonline.com.cn]

Lu said that he wanted to create a healthy agricultural system that is supported by modern cultivation techniques and features the integration of planting and sales.

Lu Haiyang checks vegetables in the greenhouse. [Photo/zjgonline.com.cn]

According to Lu, he plans to launch family activities, including crop planting and fruit picking, at regular intervals in his farm. He added that he hopes that his family farm will become a study base for local schools.