Course:ASIA319/2024/Farming (种田)

Introduction

This is the term for "Farming" 种田 and it's pinyin.

The Chinese term 种田, written in pinyin as zhòng tián and translated in English as “farming” is a significant term for two main reasons: it has cultural and social influence and it still has a place in the face of modernization.

Historically, farming was a major part of Chinese daily life. It was “how the vast majority of people in China spent their time … [and] meant the difference between feasting and starving” (Talhelm, 2018: 54). Beyond mere sustenance, the widespread practice of farming allowed it to shape cultural values and social structures. In fact, in a review of 1,000 students across China, it was found that there were “differences between people from the rice and wheat areas despite the fact that they had never farmed for a living. This suggests that culture has inertia” (Talhelm, 2018: 72). Farming is an intensive lifestyle that “depended on the preconditions of stable government and population density” (Talhelm, 2018: 67). Rice farming needs stability, coordination, and a structured social organization, all aspects that are valued in Confucianism.

As farming has declined and more citizens are moving to modern cities, technology has adapted traditional farming methods. Farmers in dryer regions now have access to rice farming through technological advancements. Advancements including, “underground wells, diesel pumps, and other irrigation technology have given farmers in drier places access to water” (Talhelm, 2018: 71). As farming has declined, people are still striving to preserve aspects of cultural identity tied to traditional farming villages. In Japan, less than 2% of residents are rice farmers yet “many non-rice farming Japanese live in neighborhoods that have a similar function to traditional rice villages” (Talhelm, 2018: 73) showing the importance of preserving these types of communities.

The genesis of the keyword

The term 种田 has established itself in Chinese popular culture through online gaming and reality tv shows. In recent years, online games where characters lead quiet lives focused on farming have gained popularity, contrasting other popular fast-paced games. These games offer players a form of escapism and allows them to envision themselves in this job field. A recent rice farming game named Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin “has achieved global sales surpassing one million units and captured significant attention on social media platforms...beyond the gaming industry and affected real-life agriculture” (Nishimura, 2024: 1). It encourages players to develop an interest in farming, “suggesting that the game can serve as a gateway for individuals unrelated to agriculture to develop an interest in farming” (Nishimura, 2024: 8).

A recent modern reality TV show titled X-Change has used farming to show Chinese contestants the reality of rural life. In the show, “urban participants … are introduced to rural hardships, such as 'the risks of unregulated coal mining, the misery of migrant workers, and the ensuing plight of families in remote villages'” (Dong, 2023: 48). The show uses farming as an entertainment commodity, presenting the lifestyle to “urban viewers as both an eye-opening and a compassion-invoking spectacle” (Dong, 2023: 48). Like the video game Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin, this tv show is effective because it taps into themes of urbanization and nostalgia. In a fast paced society with high stress, viewers find peace in watching those with a simpler way of living and a more connected lifestyle. It also is effective as it resonates with traditional values of hard work and resilience.

Glossary of its explicit dictionary meanings

The term 种田 in the most basic definition means “to farm”. The first character 种, written as zhòng in pinyin, means “to plant” while the second character 田, written in pinyin as tián, means “field”. When put together, “to plant” and “field” merge to make a term meaning the action of growing crops, or “to farm”.

Historically and culturally, this term referred to the labor-intensive act of traditional farming that served as the primary source of sustenance - food and income - for peasants. Farming was and is a symbol of self-sufficiency, cooperation, and hard-work. Traditional Chinese farming, particularly rice farming, required “cooperative labor exchanges to deal with the labor demands” (Talhelm, 2018: 62). In fact, “Rice labor exchanges may have made rice communities more interdependent, with relationships more focused on reciprocation” (Talhelm, 2018: 63) creating a community that valued collaboration.

In modern day, this term has been widely used in online gaming, referring to the act of “slow farming”, a farming approach where gamers slowly acquire resources and wealth. As discussed, in the popular game Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin, players are challenged to “start farming amidst Japan’s declining farming population” (Nishimura, 2024: 1). The slow nature of the game mimics the reality of real-life farming. Analysts have noticed that “Many players expressed a strong preference for producing high-quality rice, underscoring the game’s immersive and compelling nature” (Nishimura, 2024: 1).

An elaboration of its variegated meanings, actual usages, and value-loaded implications

Usage in Literature:

种田文 “Farming Writing”

“Farming writing” or “farming fiction” is a subgenre of internet literature that has gained online popularity in contemporary China and is most notable for its detailed descriptions of domestic life and daily activities (Wang, 2021: 396; Sujie, 2024: 57). Farming writing is often set in a slow-pace and peaceful environment, “enabling readers to mentally retreat into a fantasy world of self-indulgent pleasure-seeking,” which is a “stark contrast to the fast-paced, [fiercely-competitiveness] of reality” (Wang, 2021: 398). The term “farming writing” was initially coined to “define narratives depicting protagonists’ gradual construction of political, economic, military and technological systems (Wang, 2021: 397). This genre of writing “traces how traditional values and beliefs about kinship, domesticity, and human-nature relations are brought into dialogue with the anxieties and desires of its contemporary readers” (Imbach, 2024: 23). The theme of a monotonous daily life, logical plot structure, and detailed depictions allow readers to easily identify with characters. In other words, farming writing as a genre provides an escape for readers as they project themselves into the fictional world. It is in essence “ 爽文 (shuangwen) ‘feel-good’ writing that enables readers to form reverie triggered by their incompetence in enhancing status quo, and to contemporarily adopt an escapist mindset from stringent social ethos and precepts” (Wang, 2021: 398). As such, ‘Farming’ works presents a “realistic accommodation to leisurely readers in a non-dramatic fashion” as an escape from contemporary problems (Wang, 2021: 399).

Illustration from King of Turbulent Times 乱世为王 (Luanshi Weiwang)

King of Turbulent Times 乱世为王

An example that Aiqing Wang introduces is King of Turbulent Times 乱世为王, a period romance that was published on Jinjiang in 2016 (Wang, 2021: 400). It is a period romance with an “intentionally unspecified dynasty and a variety of settings ranging from royal palaces to nomadic battlefields (Wang, 2021: 400). Indications of “farming writing” can be seen in the second installment, where there is a focus on “various agrarian customs and deeds” (Wang, 2021: 400). For example, there are depictions of husbandry and sericulture, cookery and refinement, irrigation and drainage, sowing and harvesting, refurbishment and carpentry, and much more (Wang, 2021: 400). These depictions of agricultural acts are further emphasized through the detail-enriched descriptions of such actions.

种田 as a Metaphor

To avoid censorship, Jinjiang writers would often use metaphors to lyrically or visually express ‘indecent narratives.’ Since metaphors are “completely void of expressions that are potentially pornographic, they are able to portray sexual behaviours in a lyrical fashion (Wang, 2020: 146). In this case, “farming 种田” is used as a metaphor to describe sexual intercourse.

An example could be seen in Song Song 怂怂:

“The action of farming seemed to be monotonous and repetitive, but luckily the nutrient was a good thing that made the planting a lot easier–the barrier from earth could be easily overcome and crops could be deeply buried into earth” (Wang, 2020: 147).

Usage in Video Games:

Farming Simulation Genre 桃源

Image from In the Deep of Peach Blossom Village 桃源深处有人家

Farming simulation games have gained popularity in recent times, as they “creatively intertwine traditional agricultural practices with digital entertainment” (Sun, 2024: iii). This genre of games simultaneously offers leisure and serves as a “bridge connecting players to a bygone era of pastoral tranquility (Sun, 2024: iii). An example that Xiaoyi Sun brings up is In the Deep of Peach Blossom Village 桃源深处有人家, which integrates “Chinese traditional aesthetics and cultural motifs” (Sun, 2024: iii). This game, set in an “idyllic, almost utopian version of rural China, has struck a chord with players, quickly becoming one of the most anticipated releases in its genre” (Sun, 2024: iii). An example that Jin Feng introduces is Happy Farm 开心农场, a game that “allows players to cultivate their own piece of virtual land”, from planting crops, raising livestock, and building houses, to spending hard-earned coins as they rise in ranks (Feng, 2013: 40). The popularity of these two games show an ever-increasing interest in the relaxing perception of farm-life as opposed to the loud and brutal realities of city-life.

Image of Chinese Gold Farmers; Thumbnail created by The Qualcomm Institute Channel on YouTube

“Gold Farms” or “Gaming Workshops” 游戏工作室

Although labelled as “gaming workshops,” 游戏工作室 refers to gold farms where “gold farmers play online games in order to collect in-game goods, which they then sell to other gamers for real money (Nardi and Kow, 2010). This concept of “gold farms” emerged as early as 2001 and has been growing exponentially in the following years (Chew, 2023: 785). In MMO games such as World of Warcraft, there is a form of money that takes both time and dedication to earn. Having currency within these games is necessary to buy gear and other battle aids to succeed (Dibbell, 2007: 2). Players can “farm” such currency through collecting loot from dead monsters as well as use their drops to forge weapons, brew potions, and to be sold to other players as raw materials (Dibbell, 2007: 2). This repetitive and time-intensive activity is what gold farmers are paid to do in such “gaming workshops” 游戏工作室.

Usage in Variety Shows and Visual Media:

Become a Farmer 种田吧少年 2023

Image from the show: Become a Farmer 种田吧少年 2023

Become a Farmer 种田吧少年 (zhong tian ba shao nian) is a documentary style interactive reality show that revolves around the theme of farming, with its central focus being actual farm work (Huang, 2023). 10 young men are chosen out of 300 candidates to assemble a “farming team.” In the show, the contestants actively engage in every aspect of farm work; from planting seeds to the final harvest, the whole process is depicted in the show (Huang, 2023). Through the tremendous popularity of the show, the hashtag #种地吧 (zhong3 di4 ba1)–which translates to “Let’s Plant” or “Let’s Farm” in English–started appearing on Weibo (Huang, 2023). This show focuses on vital topics in China such as empowering youth, food security, and rural revitalization (Huang, 2023). Many watchers of the show describe it as stress relieving and realistic, further enforcing the “farming” genre and its popularity in contemporary Chinese popular culture.

Our Times 我们这十年 2022

Our Times 我们这十年 depicts the process of China’s construction and development since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China through a mini-series. From episodes 17-20, the narrative follows a group of young “new farmers” returning to the countryside who devote themselves to the rural revitalization of the new era. This is another example of how “farming” is depicted in Chinese shows to promote the importance of agricultural practices and the revitalization of the countryside.

“Farming” (种田) in Research:

China's Father of Hybrid Rice, Yuan Longping 袁隆平

Scientific Farming 科学种田

Following the modernization and globalization trajectory of China in the 1840s, the notion of “scientific farming” and its institutional structures were "formally established with the foundation of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949” (Cabral, Pandey and Xu, 2021: 253). Scientific farming brought forth the “combination of state-led, cutting edge research–notably on hybrid rice–with a strong push to connect scientists and modern technology with the grass roots” (Cabral, Pandey and Xu, 2021: 253). Today, China’s scientific farming “continues to highlight the success of food provisioning at a very large scale through a model of state-sponsered modern technology tailored to the needs of the farmer” (Cabral, Pandey and Xu, 2021: 254). In other words, scientific farming is the product of modern science and grass-roots knowledge and tradition (Cabral, Pandey and Xu, 2021: 253).

Social, cultural, and political problems

Introduction

Although 种田 began as a simple term to mean one exact thing, the term as evolved throughout time to take on new meanings. With entrance into a digital age, 种田 now symbolizes a variety of cultural, social, and political meanings that all help to reflect the changing values of Chinese society. This is especially seen in younger generations with internet slang, literary genres, and media representations. 种田/“Farming” has grown from a symbol of agriculture to one of many meanings like nostalgia, escape, and even critique of modern life.

Digital World

Image from Happy Farm 开心农场 (Kaixin nongchang)

New Forms of Partnership

This evolution of the term can first be analyzed through the lens of a digital transformation. The concept of online commissioned farming is one in which individuals (mainly city-dwellers) can rent a piece of farmland through an internet platform. They then entrust local farmers of the actual area to plant, tend, and harvest crops on their behalf. This model of a new era of farming culture gives urban residents a chance to experience a semblance of agricultural life with the reward of crops, without the demands of literal manual labor or a full-time commitment. “Internet farming” has gained popularity for bridging the gap between urban consumers and rural producers. A separation that has grown significantly with the urbanization of many parts of China.

Similar to this, a new initiative dubbed Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) that emphasizes local, organic produce sourced directly from farmers has grown in popularity (Krul & Ho, 2017). Due to a pattern of food safety scandals and the large-scale agriculture industry’s adverse impacts, many are focused on alternative food systems that they can place trust in. In a similar vein, this example of urban and rural integration (URI) helps promote a two-way flow of resources, facilitate spatial restructuring, and enhance resource allocation efficiency (Zhu, Geng, & Chen, 2024). Overall, the introduction of technology of course has had certain negative implications on the traditional process of farming, but, it has also allowed for the creation of new initiatives that maintain the core goals of farming like cultivating community growth.

Variety Show Example of "Farming" 种田 as Slang

Internet Lingo

In contemporary Chinese internet and real-world discourse, 种田 has evolved into a form of sarcasm, often used to contrast the hardships of modern life with the traditional, labor-intensive act of farming. 种田 has been respected through history as it is one of the most grueling and demanding occupations so its nowadays use as a tongue-in-cheek expression that suggests farming is now preferable to the pressures and stresses of work and study reflect a growing disillusionment people now have with work and school. People sarcastically claim that they would rather 种田 than deal with the demands of corporate life (Wang, 2020) or the unrelenting grind of academic pressures (Zhao, Selman, & Haste, 2015). This shift also demonstrates a desire for simplicity and a more balanced, less stressful life–one that is nowadays seen as harder to achieve in modern society. 种田 has in a way become a symbol of escapism in modern lingo that is ironically a return to to a lifestyle that is now viewed as a gentler alternative to the complexities of contemporary life.

Image from 穿成寡妇带俩娃，在种田文里稳定发疯

Farming Literature

Farming culture can also be found in its own genre of Chinese literature. “”Farming literature” (种田文学), also known as “farming writing” (种田文) has seen a major growth in popularity in contemporary Chinese web fiction. In the context of web literature, the four most popular subtypes of time travel, alternative reality, ancient, and modern all provide their own “feel-good” nature and form of escapism for readers (Tang, 2014). However, the genre’s appeal is not limited to its calm portrayal of rural life. It has also developed a distinct feminist perspective through a 3-stage evolution (Wang, 2021). The first began in 2007 with time travel storylines following complacent female protagonists who conformed to traditional gender norms. The second stage focused on women with a degree of feminist awareness who challenged patriarchal norms. The third, and current, stage depicts a trend towards matriarchal writing/女尊文. This is a format in which women ascend to power in public and private spheres, often by overthrowing traditional gender hierarchies. Some feminists argue that this type of writing provides an idealized version of gender equality in which women are able to thrive independently. They claim that the genre offers a form of empowerment, particularly in the context of a society in which gender inequality remains pervasive. However, although these stories center on strong, independent women, other feminist critics argue they fail to fully address or resolve the issues gender inequality and stigmatization bring. Some scholars point out that the empowerment remains surface-level and actually depicts a fantastical vision of female supremacy that does nothing to deconstruct existing power structures (Feng, 2023). Overall, critics believe that this portrayal of female strength reinforces the idea that gender equality can only be achieved via the dominance of one gender over the other.

Despite the varied responses, farming literature remains a space for exploring feminist ideas, even if through a fantastical lens. The genre allows female readers to imagine themselves in worlds where they hold power, control their own destinies, and overcome any limitation set by society. At its best, it offers an escape for readers to be freed from the constraints of the real, patriarchal, world. While at its worst, it fails to address the intersectionalities of gender and power dynamics, with neglect of the complexities of class, race, and rural-urban divides in general.

Farming in Entertainment Media

Farming-themed variety shows like 种田吧少年 Become a Farmer have become a significant part of Chinese television in recent years. The programs aim to highlight the challenges and rewards of farming through personal growth, teamwork, and connection with nature. Along with their spike in popularity, discussion regarding the portrayal of farming culture, the values they promote, and their impact on audiences as well as the actual agricultural sector have increased. Firstly, their success in bringing agricultural practices to the forefront of public consciousness had a huge impact in bridging the gap between urban and rural lifestyles. Although farming is a cornerstone of the Chinese economy, many people, particularly younger generations, living in cities are unfamiliar with the sector. The programs also often emphasize positive values like hard work, perseverance, teamwork, and environmental sustainability. This lens becomes inspirational to viewers, and helps to motivate young people to develop strong work ethics. While shows like these help to educate urban-dwellers on the process of crop cultivation, however, they also often oversimplify the realities of farming. Hugely important factors like the unpredictability of weather (Magomedov, Dzhabrailov, & Bagov, 2021), market fluctuations, and the complexities of rural economies are typically glossed over in the shows in favor of entertainment value. Light-hearted tasks provide a distorted view of the intense manual labor required to be a successful farmer. This warped perspective can lead to a misunderstanding of the harsh realities and in turn downplay the importance of structural reforms or support for actual farmers, not to mention a potential for rural stereotyping. Overall, farming variety shows present both positives and negatives: they help raise awareness, promote positive social values, and foster a greater understanding between urban and rural populations; but they also oversimplify complex agricultural issues while at times exploiting rural culture for entertainment.

Thumbnail from Our Times 我们这十年 2022

Similar themes show up in the series 我们这十年 Our Times in episode 17-20 arc with the new farmers returning to the countryside to pursue rural revitalization. This arc centers on Xi Jinping’s “Two Mountains” theory (Xu & Liu, 2019), the guiding thought of China’s ecological civilization with an emphasis on breaking the mindset of opposing economic development and environmental conservation. The show successfully portrays the optimism and idealism of revitalizing rural communities by highlighting the potential of blending new tech and education with traditional methods to create prosperous rural economies. But it fails to fully address the ecological conservation of the theory in a way that oversimplifies the real-world complexities climate change has brought farmers. The narrative tends to understate other challenges young farmers face like access to capital, entrenched bureaucratic hurdles, and again, the ongoing climate change crisis (Magomedov, Dzhabrailov, & Bagov, 2021). Overall, Our Times captures the spirit of the satisfaction pursuing farming as a career can bring, but doesn’t fully encapsulate the ideal of harmonious development Xi Jinping proposes. The show helps to generate a sense of national pride but its portrayal of young “new farmers” might be more realistic with a more nuanced examination of the socio-political and economic challenges brought up in real-world rural transformation.

Studies related to the "Farming" 种田

Farming from a Psychological standpoint: 桃源 Farming Simulation Games

Xiaoyi Sun argues that farming simulation games 桃源 are more than just mere entertainment; they “function as an emotional haven, a virtual sanctuary where players can momentarily detach themselves from the fast-paced, often overwhelming realities of modern life” (Sun, 2024: iv). The digitization of farming and agricultural practices evokes a sense of peace and simplicity among the players, many of which live in urbanized cities. Sun argues that Taoyuan games “are not only a testament to the evolving landscape of digital entertainment, but [they] also reflect deeper cultural and societal narratives, highlighting a collective longing for simplicity and a return to roots in the face of relentless modernization” (Sun, 2024: iv). It is through such farming simulation games that a sense of retreat from contemporary life is created, where players can ‘engage with and celebrate the enduring values and aesthetics of traditional Chinese farming culture” (Sun, 2024: iv). The digitization/gamification of Chinese agricultural traditions through the “farming genre” therefore preserves and re-interprets Chinese cultural heritage while simultaneously providing a fantasy escape for players. Sun further argues that the Taoyuan genre “offers a unique avenue for cultural therapy” (Sun, 2024: 5). What this refers to is the “therapeutic practices or interventions that integrate and respect the cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values of individuals or communities, leveraging interactive digital environments to foster mental and emotional well-being” (Sun, 2024: 5). Sun explores the negative effects of globalization and urbanization on individuals’ connection to their cultural heritage and how the Taoyuan farming genre is “vital for reinforcing a sense of identity and belonging; qualities that are foundational to psychological well-being” (Sun, 2024: 5). As such, this secondary study not only highlights the function of farming simulation games, but also explores their “ability to (re)create agricultural spaces and practices that invoke a sense of “Chineseness” and Chinese identity (Sun, 2024: 8).

President Xi Jinping’s “Two Mountain” Theory

Xu and Liu’s paper focuses on the concept of the “Two Mountains” theory, a policy framework that was introduced in 2017 by Chinese president Xi Jinping. His theory argues the importance of the balance between economic development and environmental conservation. The central idea is that “mountains of gold” (economic growth) and “mountains of green” (environmental preservation) are not mutually exclusive (Xu & Liu, 2019: 1). The authors explore the implications of this theory on green development practices with a focus on the context of China’s rural revitalization and agricultural modernization. They argue that the integration of the “Two Mountains” theory is crucial to foster a sustainable economy, especially in rural areas. They emphasize initiatives like promoting sustainable farming practices, rural ecological restoration, and renewable energy are all key factors in a balanced development that aligns with the country’s goals (Xu & Liu, 2019: 2). The study suggests that farmers can achieve sustainable income by embracing environmental stewardship and green farming techniques. This cultivation of a relationship with the land that considers both environmental impact and economic benefit is important to prioritize as China moves into a new age of development.

Community Supported Agriculture in Urban China

Krul and Ho’s paper dives into the new concept of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in urban China. This alternative farm-to-table model came as a response to the challenges of urbanization, food security, and increasing demand for environmentally sustainable farming practices (Krul & Ho, 2017: 1). It allows consumers to directly support local farmers by purchasing shares in the harvest in advance, and in turn creates a direct connection between urban dwellers and rural food production. Overall, it encourages a more sustainable and localized food system by cutting out the middleman.

The authors follow the rise of CSA, particularly in major cities like Beijing, and analyze its potential to alleviate some of the negative consequences of China’s rapid urbanization. These include long food supply chains, environmental degradation from industrial farming, and loss of rural livelihoods (Krul & Ho, 2017: 3). The study argues that CSA introduced growing awareness of the importance of supporting local agriculture, reducing food miles, and fostering sustainability (Krul & Ho, 2017: 5). It also serves as a potential response to the challenges posed by the “Two Mountains” theory by integrating ecological sustainability with economic development. However, it doesn’t come without its drawbacks. One of the key requirements for its success is the partnership between new and local farmers, a relationship that isn’t always the easiest to nurture. Additionally, conflicting motivations and high operational costs have the capacity to introduce delays and issues (Krul & Ho, 2017: 8). Although the new movement gained popularity across China, more efforts will be necessary to ensure its lasting presence in the urban food system (Krul & Ho, 2017: 12).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the term 种田, originally referring to the physical act of farming, has evolved over time to become a multifaceted concept that now includes cultural, social, and political implications. Although still used in its original dictionary definition meaning, it now encompasses a plethora of usages, from metaphorical uses in literature and digital media, to literal representations in video games and variety shows. It has also grown to be used as a popular term in online culture, one that symbolizes various forms of labor, self-sufficiency, and nostalgia for rural life (even while carrying value-loaded connotations). In academics, 科学种田 reflects the complex relationship between the state, scientists, and rural communities. “Farming” now carries implications of the shifting dynamics between rural and urban populations, especially in the lens of China’s rapid modernization and digital transformation. Overall, 种田 serves as both a reflection of traditional agricultural practices as well as a symbol of China’s ongoing efforts to modernize.

References

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