(中文翻译在英文正文之后)

I am writing these thoughts while on a high-speed train, heading to a walk in a rustic, peripheral part of Zhejiang province. China is known for rapid development, economic progress, material prosperity, and the relentless expansion of its cities. It is also a global leader in technology and innovation. Nearly every aspect of life here can be managed through just a few mobile apps. The pace of progress seems unstoppable, with new transportation innovations—such as soon-to-be-operational flying taxis—pushing the boundaries even further.

Yet there are limits. Despite significant environmental improvements and many excellent examples of sustainable construction, pressure on the environment remains high. There is not only a growing scarcity of raw materials and resources. There is also scarcity of space. Real estate prices have reached record highs, making affordable housing nearly impossible to find in China’s densely built cities.

The train I’m on cuts through the landscape at nearly 300 kilometers per hour—a stark contrast to the second part of my day, when I will slow down and walk. While most train travellers are absorbed in their phones, I try to mentally prepare for a change of pace: slowness, fresh air full of oxygen, friendly villagers, and breathtaking landscapes. Sitting diagonally across from me are two others with small backpacks and cameras. Their hats rest on the fold-out train table, ready to shield them from the sun. Dressed almost identically to me, they are likely also on their way to an escape from the city—to slow down.

Now more than ever, the city depends on the countryside. The countryside is vulnerable, and urban pressure is increasingly felt beyond city limits. Let’s be very careful not to destroy these rustic, natural spaces. This scarce resource and counterbalance must not be lost to unchecked urban consumption.

我是在高速列车上写这篇文章的，当时我正准备去浙江省的一个乡村地区途步。中国以快速发展、经济进步、物质繁荣和城市蓬勃发展而闻名。而且当前的技术和创新方面也处于领先地位。在这里生活中的一切都可以通过手机上几个应用程序进行管理。发展速度似乎是无限可能的，比如即将投入运营的飞行出租车之类新的交通创新叠出，但是局限性也是可见的。虽然环境得到显著改善，并有许多可持续建筑的优秀例子，环境压力仍然很大。不仅原材料和资源日益稀缺。空间也很稀缺。房地产价格总创历史新高，在人口稠密的中国超大城市里不易找到经济适用房。

我乘坐的火车以每小时近三百公里的速度穿过风景线，这与我下午后半天的徒步经历产生强烈的对比。那时我会徒步，随意地放慢速度。当我周围的同行者忙于手机，我却试着憧憬我的徒步经历，缓慢的、不舒适的、充满氧气的清洁空气、友好的村民和令人惊叹的风景。坐在我斜对面的另外两位，他们背着一个小背包和一台相机。防晒的太阳帽放在折叠的火车座椅桌上。穿着几乎和我一样的衣服。他们可能也是在逃离城市的路上。

作为一种平衡，城市比以往任何时候都更加依赖农村。很多人都没有意识到这一点。让我们小心对待脆弱的农村，防止这种稀缺的资源因（城市）过度消费而流失。