Editor's notes:

In the past decade, especially since the construction of the Free Trade Port began, Hainan has gradually developed into one of China's most open and dynamic regions. Dreamchasers from around the world have rushed to this beautiful island, the heart of China's reform and opening up in the new era, in the pursuit of their dreams and giving their lives value.

HIMC is launching the bilingual micro-documentary series “Hainan Through My Eyes”. In the series, HIMC's team of presenters and "overseas communication officers" interview ten ordinary young people about their extraordinary journeys working in different fields within the Hainan Free Trade Port as they recount the youthful dreams that motivated them along the way. ——Wu Bing, a Chinese-American who came back from the United States to start a business and introduced dozens of overseas projects to Hainan; Huang Yingying, a surfing supreme who chases dreams on the cusp of every wave; and Pan Dailin, whose masterful performances of Hainan Opera have given Hainan a voice on the global stage... The story behind the struggles of each of these young hopefuls is the story of Hainan, and it in turn gives hope to other young people looking to chase their dreams in the Hainan Free Trade Port.

We hope that through this series, you will learn more about the Hainan Free Trade Port and the power of youth.

Food security is a nation's most pressing issue, and seeds, known as the "chips" of modern agriculture, are the key to ensuring it. As an important crop seed breeding base in China, the Sanya Nanfan Seed Breeding Base in south China's Hainan Province is uniquely blessed with nature's gifts, a strong heritage, and a wealth of experience and resources. It thus plays a vital role in the development of China's seed industry. 'Nanfan' refers to the growing of summertime crops from northern latitudes in Hainan during the tropical island's winter season. Over one winter, one or two generations can be propagated in Hainan, as much as halving the breeding cycle. 

By chance, Dr. Xiao Feng, a researcher at Nanfan, took up studies at Nanjing Agricultural University many years ago, embarking on what would become a lifelong relationship with agriculture. "When I first started studying agriculture, I didn't know what to make of it. Then gradually, as I learned more about it, I started developing a passion for it," said Xiao. 

Many have the impression that agricultural researchers and workers are always bent over, back toward the sun, face toward the mud. Sometimes researchers at Nanfan jokingly call themselves "mudskippers", because can often be found wading in a rice paddy, trouser legs rolled up and knee-deep in mud. "Doing scientific research requires focus, persistence, and the ability to be eternally patient." Xiao admitted that when doing experiments and research, it is normal to leave home early and return late. During busy times, researchers even have to get up in the middle of the night to collect indicator data. However, the data collected is not always valid, “We often repeatedly collect the same set of data and measure the same indicator time and again for several months or even a year or two. Sometimes the data and indicators are not necessarily accurate or even meaningful," added Xiao. 

Even so, Xiao Feng and other researchers at Nanfan are still willing to stand at the front line of scientific research. Devoting their lifelong learning to these small seeds, they are committed to continuously improving China's grain production and grain quality and ensuring that bowls on tables across China remain full. He said, "Life is like a seed. Sometimes it fails to develop as you'd hoped it would, and other times it's dormant. But hope and opportunity always exist. We have to hold onto that, and just like a stubborn seed, sprout up through the soil and flourish."