After 32,850 moments, the annual “Pupil Encounter®” has restarted in the heat of August. Volunteers from all over the country have gathered at a local inn in Xiangxi, after lugging their luggage through crowds of tourists and climbing up and down stone steps in narrow alleys.

Volunteers of all ages have gathered in Phoenix Ancient Town.

The stilted houses along the Tuo River in Phoenix Ancient Town are mostly from the Qing Dynasty. These stilted houses generally consist of two floors, with the upper level being spacious and finely crafted, while the lower level is irregularly shaped but adorned with vivid animal and floral patterns. Rows of these stilted houses hang over the Tuo River, standing by the water’s edge and built into the mountainside, their reflections swaying in the emerald waters, creating a unique and charming scene.

(Photograph / Staying in a characteristic riverside stilted house in Phoenix Ancient Town)

Upon arrival at the meeting point, the first task is to transport supplies.

After completing the distribution of supplies and other preparatory work

Many people may first hear the name “Xiangxi Fenghuang” when reading excerpts from “Border Town,” describing Cui Cui with her clear eyes.

“Cui Cui, nurtured by the wind and sun, has skin darkened by the elements. Her eyes, clear as crystal, are constantly surrounded by green mountains and clear waters. Nature has both nurtured and educated her, making her innocent and lively, like a little wild creature. She is so well-behaved, like a fawn on a hilltop, never thinking of cruel things, never worrying, and never getting angry.”

Ferry boats, yellow dogs, songs, bamboo flutes, green bamboo, and insect calls accompany a simple and peaceful life…

In the mystical world of Xiangxi described by Shen Congwen, what we see is simplicity, honesty, and kindness. Here, there are no social hierarchies or discussions of material gain. Whether they are travelers passing through or long-term residents, the people are as pure and genuine as the natural surroundings.

Introductions among volunteers of all ages

Han Han, an old member participating for the third time in “Pupil Encounter®,” introduces herself.

After getting acquainted, Teacher Li Jie holds a meeting. She reiterates that “Pupil Encounter®” is not a tourism project or summer camp, but rather a genuine public service activity. Both adult volunteers and even the youngest volunteers, some as young as seven years old, should do what they can within their capabilities. In doing so, they should reflect on their connection with nature and others. After the small volunteers form one-to-one partnerships with local children, they need to actively communicate and help them. The left-behind children who remain in the village are not just guarding their homes; they are also preserving something that we have overlooked, forgotten, or lost.

“What I want to teach you and the village children is not technique, but the methods of observation and expression, to discover the hidden beauty around you. I hope that in the future, you can rediscover the world around you and redevelop it, bringing about positive changes for yourselves and others.”

Teacher Li Jie holds a meeting.

Sketching in Phoenix Ancient Town, drawing whatever you observe.

The concept behind “Pure View®” is to detach ourselves from today’s noise and restlessness, and through the eyes and brushes of the children, to reassess those people, emotions, events, objects, and scenes that we have overlooked or forgotten, those glimmering details. Through interacting and helping local children, we aim to reclaim what we’ve lost and find what we seek.

Children working late into the night, observing the differences between day and night in the ancient town.

“Everything happens by chance, yet the outcome seems fated.”

Thus, after three years of unavoidable delays, we have arrived here as if by destiny. Although the commercial development has brought tourists’ clamor to the ancient town, we still hope to find the atmosphere described by Shen Congwen. We hope that the children will embody the kindness and tenacity of Cui Cui, moving forward bravely and holding firm to their beliefs.

Luan’s sketch of the stilted houses in the ancient town.

Coincidentally, just two hours before we were set to leave Phoenix Ancient Town and head towards Liangdeng Miao Village, the sky began to rain, drizzling over the entire town without any sign of stopping.

We didn’t stop either.

Braving the rain that soaked our heads, dragging our luggage and supplies for the village children, we climbed up steps and steep slopes until all nineteen of us finally boarded the minibus heading to Liangdeng Village.

Braving the rain to move luggage

Setting off on the journey to Liangdeng with loads big and small.

The road to Liangdeng Village is not easy to navigate; large buses can’t make it through, and only minibuses can be used. When renting the vehicle, the driver warned us: “Those mountain roads are dangerous, and most people wouldn’t dare to drive them. Only experienced local drivers would attempt it.”

How dangerous was it?
On the way, we encountered…