Haojigou, a small village located in the mountains of Chengde County in Hebei Province, has twice been listed as one of the province’s most destitute villages which receives extra support from the government.120 families in this village are identified as “impoverished.” More than 100 young men and women leave their homes in the village to work in other places all year long, but their parents cannot go with them. These left-behind elderly people live hard lives, often becoming the caregivers and caretakers of the homes of their migrant children.

In 2010, a 6-acre nursing home named Yulong Happiness Homeland Villa was built up in this poor village. The home’s owner, Ding Yulong, was born in Haojigou in 1956 and left this small village together with his parents to “brave the journey to the Northeast” 50 years ago. Through his own efforts and savings over the years, he became a multi-millionaire with a far-ranging reputation. But he didn’t forget his hometown.

In September, 2010, he set up the nursing home and began supporting 43 empty-nest elders with a 5 million yuan (US$0.81 million) investment.

Ding Yulong, warden of Yulong Happiness Homeland Villa (3rd from the right) and his “fathers and mothers.” [File photo]

Ding makes use of his experience managing enterprises in northeast China to run the nursing home like a standard company. He has also drawn up specific regulations, especially rules on fire-prevention, food safety and security of the home’s elderly residents.

Ding Yulong is not satisfied simply by Happiness Homeland’s sound operation – he wants to establish some lasting mechanisms to maintain the retirement home’s long-term operations.

The first step was to ensure funding. The annual 500,000-yuan maintenance fees are paid by the interest on his deposits.

The second step was to build a vegetable garden to guarantee a supply of fresh vegetables. This year, Ding Yulong rented 10 acres of land to plant greens to provide fresh produce to the Happiness Homeland’s canteen.

The third step was to plant a forest to provide fuel. Haojigou village set aside a 200-acre plot for Happiness Homeland’s use. Its staff can cut down trees there to burn for fuel, while they economically maintain the forest and raise sheep there for the residents’ meals.

The fourth step, which is the most remarkable one, was that Ding Yulong made up his mind to grow old with the elderly for the rest of his life.

This retirement home mainly benefits families with elders in their homes, especially migrant workers. Ding Yulong has influenced the surrounding people with his love and generosity, improving the social atmosphere and encouraging people in this village to be kinder. His deeds have given new hopes and dreams to people living in poverty and have encouraged cadres to be more dedicated to their duties and make more contributions to society.  

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