Luo Yanli shows newly-harvested cassava in Jiangmen, south China's Guangdong Province, Dec. 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

To farm or not to farm? That is a question that Luo Yanli wrestled with for years before embracing the life of what she proudly calls a "new farmer."

"At first, I was against the idea of farming," said the 28-year-old. "But as I watched my parents grow older and struggle to navigate the online market, I felt compelled to step in."

In 2020, Luo left her job as an executive assistant at a foreign trade company in Guangzhou, one of China's bustling first-tier cities, to take over her family's 100-hectare farm in Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province.

In China, farming has long been viewed as a labor-intensive, low-reward occupation and often considered a fallback for those lacking other career options. However, this perception is gradually shifting.

The adoption of advanced techniques and machinery has ushered in a new era of intelligent farming, transforming one of the world's oldest professions into a modern and dynamic one. This transition has attracted a growing number of young individuals, like Luo, who are redefining the future of agriculture in the country.

"When people ask about my profession, I proudly identify as a 'new farmer.' The farming industry is becoming increasingly tech-savvy and embracing innovation, and I am proud to be one of the participants in such great changes," she said.

Luo's story is just one example of a broader trend unfolding in China, where young people are exploring new career paths emerging alongside the fresh growth momentum in the world's second-largest economy. Like many of her peers born in the 1990s and 2000s, Luo is determined to chart her own course rather than following the traditional paths laid out by her parents.

The farm, once solely dedicated to cultivating Millettia speciosa Champ., a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, now flourishes with diverse crops, including lemons, bananas and jackfruit.

A graduate in international trade from Curtin University in Australia, Luo believes that while her educational background may not be directly related to farming, it has equipped her with a broader perspective and an innovative mindset -- qualities she considers essential for successfully managing the farm.

"Fruit trees require meticulous care, and it is usually hard to find enough laborers. But technology has been our savior," she said.

After installing an integrated water and fertilizer irrigation system and an automatic sprinkler system, "we can monitor and manage irrigation and fertigation easily and precisely from a distance," Luo explained.

To improve efficiency and safety in spraying pesticides and nutrient solutions, she introduced a plant protection drone. She said with pride that she is the "youngest licensed female drone pilot" in Jiangmen.

Luo's commitment to innovation goes beyond adopting advanced technologies. She has also launched her own brand, "Toplemon," and expanded into the production of value-added agricultural products.

"I want to try something others have not done before," she said, explaining her forays into developing liquor and coffee with Millettia speciosa Champ., and a unique Chinese tea packed into hollowed-out lemons.

Like Luo, young Chinese are increasingly exploring new professions, and trying to redefine what it means to achieve both professional and personal fulfillment.

In 2024, "new professions" emerged as one of the top 10 buzzwords in China. The Chinese government officially recognized 19 new professions last year, including roles such as biological engineering technician, dental hygienist, generative artificial intelligence system operator, and live-streaming anchor.

The emergence of various new professions has expanded employment opportunities, a timely development as the government intensifies efforts to boost employment, particularly among young people.

According to the updated national classification of occupations, China now recognizes nearly 1,700 professions, up from fewer than 1,500 in 2015.

Among these, the role of home organizer was officially recognized as a new profession in 2021, a welcome development for Xiong Dandi. Burdened by the relentless pressure of her workplace, Xiong made the bold decision in 2020 to leave her well-paying human resources job at a foreign company and follow her passion for decluttering.

"At the time, few people understood what home organizers actually did. Many equated it with housekeeping and were reluctant to pay much for the service," she recalled.

Undeterred by misconceptions and modest earnings, Xiong remained confident that the growing accumulation of household items would become a common aspect of modern life, referring to it as one of the "sweet burdens" of prosperity brought about by economic development.

As a professional home organizer, Xiong engages with her clients to understand their lifestyles and habits, gently guiding them toward decluttering and organizing their spaces, starting with their cupboards.

"Many people are unaware of just how much clothing they own until it's all laid out in front of them," Xiong explained. "Together, we sort through each item, evaluating how often it's actually worn. I also guide them in organizing their home to minimize clutter in the future."

Her decision to venture into this profession was perfectly timed. China's home organizing industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, fueled by the expansion of e-commerce and the rising standard of living.

Drawn by the growing opportunities, over 36,000 new decluttering professionals entered the market nationwide between 2022 and 2023, marking a year-on-year growth of more than 200 percent, according to an industrial report.

To expand the reach of her profession and raise awareness about professional organizing, Xiong conducts decluttering workshops for companies and shares her expertise through social media and podcasts.

As a pioneer in the field, Xiong is beginning to see the impact of her efforts. More people are now recognizing the value of professional organizers and are increasingly willing to invest in maintaining an organized and clutter-free home.

The stories of Xiong and Luo reflect the experiences of millions of young Chinese who courageously pursue their true passions instead of adhering to traditional career paths often regarded as "stable and respectable."

According to a China Youth Daily survey of 1,334 recent graduates, 48.6 percent identified personal interest as the most important factor in their job search, closely followed by 48.4 percent who prioritized opportunities for personal development.

"We live in a more inclusive society where success is no longer solely defined by our bank balance," Xiong said. "For me, work is about pursuing inner happiness."

New professions hold great potential but also bring uncertainties, prompting authorities to tackle the resulting challenges while creating jobs and fostering new economic growth drivers.

Wang Xiaojun, an official from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, said the government will support the development of relevant occupational training and strengthen regulations to protect the rights and interests of practitioners in the new professions.

Despite all the challenges, including an unstable income, Xiong has no regrets about her decision. "This job is worthwhile to me because I'm doing what I love," she said.