Children at Xianghu Kindergarten get hands-on experience at the neighborhood farm in Xianghu Community, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. CHINA DAILY

The farm offers a variety of activities, including planting vegetables, breeding animals and catching fish and shrimp.

The vegetables are carefully chosen for their low-maintenance and unique growth characteristics.

For broad beans, for example, a point seeding method is used that requires climbing trellises. This helps children learn more about nature subtly and unconsciously while nurturing their practical skills and cultivating a sense of responsibility.

Early in October, children observed the wilting of a Chinese cabbage and checked the leaves under a magnifying lens.

After seeking advice from their grandparents and community elders, they tried various methods to control pests, such as spraying lime water, sprinkling diluted salt water and placing bug stickers. Whatever the method, the vegetables were saved.

"Most of the elderly in our district used to be farmers, who serve as technical support of our planting activities and develop deeper connections with their kids in the process," Xu said.