At the 2026 Zhejiang Provincial Commemoration and Commendation Ceremony for International Women's Day, Yu Jixuan, a young lady from Taiwan, China, who has been honored as a National March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter, stood out with an elegant teal silk scarf featuring Jingshan tea illustrations. From Chiayi to Zhejiang, and from studying overseas to taking roots in the countryside, Yu has spent eight years crafting a life scented with tea amidst Zhejiang's lush mountains and lucid waters— writing a story that is both uniquely hers and a reflection of the era.

The Calling of a Tea Leaf

In 2018, after 12 years of studying and working abroad, Yu came to Zhejiang through the High-level Talent Recruitment Program launched by Yuhang District, Hangzhou.She played a key role in developing the "Lu Yu and the Little Tea Monk" cultural and tourism IP. By weaving Jingshan’s ancient tea culture into modern creative branding, the project was selected for the first batch Zhejiang Cultural and Tourism IP Library in 2020.

Sense of Belonging Bestowed by the Countryside

Over nearly eight years in Yuhang, Yu’s footsteps have reached every corner of the district. Today, at the Jingshan Resort, she works with her partners to transform "green leaves" into "golden leaves"—turning local tea into high-value assets.

"Zhejiang’s villages are remarkably inclusive: they embrace fresh ideas and welcome 'new farmers' like us," Yu said with a smile. "I have long since blended into these mountains and rivers. Everyone here treats me like family."

This sense of integration has long since blossomed into a profound feeling of belonging.

Bringing "Golden Leaves" Back Home

This past Lunar New Year, the souvenirs Yu brought back to her family and friends in Taiwan were met with surprise and delight. It is in this way that the charm of Jingshan tea is crossing the Taiwan Strait.

Over the years, Yu has built bridges for Cross-Strait integration through various initiatives. She helped establish the "Taiwan Youth Courtyard," an exchange base that has hosted over 3,000 participants. She has also organized rural revitalization events for youth from Taiwan in towns like Luniao and Jingshan, and facilitated internship opportunities for Taiwan college students at local homestays and hotels.

Yu hopes that more young people from Taiwan will join her in the cause of rural revitalization, and work together to turn lucid waters and lush mountains into invaluable assets. Amid the tea fragrance of Jingshan, on this inclusive land, more dreams are quietly taking root and sprouting.