Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The story of Patrik Bachstatter, 33, a Swede and one of the 379,000 foreigners permanently residing in Yunnan Province, is typical. He and his wife met in the Philippines. Since 2018, the family has lived in Shenyang, Sanya, Qingdao and other cities before finally finding their “home” in its full sense in Dali, Yunnan. “Although it’s not a big city, it has perfect infrastructure and a lifestyle close to nature,” the head of the family said. The clean air, mountainous surroundings and close-knit community in Dali have given him a strong sense of belonging, especially when considering his children’s education.
Bachstatter on an organic farm in Yunnan Province (Source: video screenshot)
Nowadays, Bachstatter mainly works in organic farming. He was attracted by the agricultural eco-community of Dali and began growing organic vegetables in villages in Midu and Eryuan counties, implementing sustainable technologies based on soil health and biodiversity. Although rural life has not turned out to be as idyllically carefree as he imagined, the connection with the land and the farmers has become most valuable to him: “The local farmers have not studied organic farming systematically, but they have a deep emotional connection with the land. I absorb a lot from their experience based on tradition.”
Every week, Bachstatter takes his little daughter out into the fields to get to know different plants and to understand the value of healthy eating and environmental protection. “In an era of rapid technological development, it is especially important to develop independent thinking and creativity in children,” says the caring “stay-at-home dad.” He now plans to expand the scale of agriculture, research hydroponic technologies and agroecology, and dreams of creating a network of organic farms.