OAT associates gather in Donghan, China, for a day of community service
Two volunteers paint a weathered door in Donghan, China, during a day of community service.
The Chinese village of Donghan has proven to be a powerful and provocative locale for OAT travelers to experience. The transition from the ancient ways to more modern means—and the resulting benefits to and sacrifices of its residents—is very close to the surface here, making for an extremely valuable lesson in the ongoing evolution of China as a nation.
Travelers are able to see these changes firsthand when they spend a night in Donghan as a part of our Imperial China, Tibet & the Yangtze River adventure. During this special Day in the Life experience, they witness the cultural divide as they visit local schools, walk the changing landscape, and interact with the villagers. Many of Donghan’s 960 residents have left their traditional adobe homes in favor of newer structures—but some have remained behind by choice, unwilling to relinquish their traditional ways. Others simply can’t afford to move.
In January, a team of 42 volunteers—including OAT regional staff and Trip Leaders—convened to help give two Donghan families a happy Chinese New Year during a day of community service. The team visited two separate homes, where they took care of several home maintenance projects, including cleaning, painting, and installing new window screens. The first home belonged to an 80-year-old woman, who has lived alone for many years. Her husband passed away more than 40 years ago, and her five children have grown up, married, and moved away—leaving no one to help her with household chores. “She was very happy to see us,” said Elaine Yau, OAT’s Regional General Manager in China.
One of the villagers poses with volunteers, including OAT regional associates and Trip Leaders, who gathered to help improve her home in Donghan’s old village.
The second house belonged to a couple who has welcomed OAT travelers into their home for many years, as part of OAT’s Day in the Life experience. “They are in their 60s,” Elaine explained, “but they both look much older due to their poor living conditions.” The couple proudly displayed the many gifts, photos, and mementos they have received from travelers, some of which were shipped all the way from the United States. “They thanked our team for helping them,” Elaine explained. “They said our travelers will always be welcome.” Both families also received New Year’s gifts of cooking oil, rice, cake, and candy.
The day concluded in the new section of Donghan, where a “grand circle” of firecrackers was lit in the village center—an act that, according to Chinese lore, will drive away evil spirits. It is with this spirit of positive fellowship and philanthropy that OAT wishes a happy and healthy Year of the Rabbit to our travelers, our team in China and around the world, and especially the people of Donghan Village.
Learn more about A Day in the Life of the Donghan community and how OAT gives back to the world we travel by visiting our Foundation website.