Zhongmou (CNS) -- "I used to catch fish in the Danjiangkou reservoir, but now I am a fish farmer and seller." After years of fishing experience, 46-year-old Zhou Lin started his business after migrating to a new town, a move caused by China's massive South-North Water Transfer Project.
Two years ago, Zhou's family of three moved 400 km within Henan Province from Jinhe Town in Xichuan County to his current residence in Liuji Town, Zhongmou County, where everything is brand new.
Zhou told CNS that he hadn't even taken the wrapping off the sofa, because his relatives and friends are far away and the family rarely has guests. "My daughter is married in our hometown of Xichuan. We have to spend more than half a day to go visit her."
As part of the water project, the relocation has involved 165,000 people in Henan Province alone. So far, the migration has mostly been completed.
For the migrants, the problems are many, as they are forced to build new community ties and find new ways to make a living, much of which can't be solved by government support.
The name of their ancestral village may have been preserved, but it soon became clear to Zhou and his family that they were outsiders, especially when Zhou struggled to get loans to start a business two years ago.
Fortunately, that business was eventually opened. Now, with all his loans paid off, Zhou earns about 50,000 to 60,000 yuan in profit a year, about four times more than his earnings before.
"My daughter and son encourage me that the current situation is an improvement, but I am still a little homesick," said Zhou.
Many other migrants from Zhou's village have started planting vegetables. A man named Yao Baiqi told CNS that his family of seven barely makes a living without enough land for farming.
"Everything costs here. Life expenses are much higher than before," said Yao, "so I have started growing cash crops for more income. My younger son has also gone out for work to support the family."
Yao was not wealthy when he lived in the mountains, but could satisfy his most basic needs. Things have changed now, even when it comes to farming. Yao once used a cow to help him in the fields, yet now he must learn how to operate mechanized tools, which puts him at a disadvantage. "I also have to pay for the tools," he said.
However, he was pleased when his youngest son got married, his eldest son had a baby and his tomatoes and balsam pears sold well. Yao now believes that their convenient proximity to the capital of Zhengzhou was worth his sacrifice.
Zhou and Yao are among more than 1,000 migrants in the second Yaowan Village, which has a large square, greenery and recreation sites throughout the community.
For the fresh arrivals, the newly-opened elementary school also promises a brighter future for the younger generation.
"I hope there won't be any more movement though," said Yao, who has already migrated twice. He said he desires a stable home for the sustainable development of his family.
He also wants to visit the graves of his ancestors before the water engulfs his hometown.
