Rural Common's "Prototypes"

To consolidate information and resources of rural areas for systematic publication on the "Rural Common" platform, the project team visited various villages and conducted interviews and oral history collection to document local stories, indigenous knowledge, and cultural practices.

Meanwhile, leveraging the shared resources available on the platform, the project team collaborated with participants and volunteers (i.e. "Labbers") to jointly curate a series of "prototypes"—diverse initiatives in countryside conservation and revitalisation. These initiatives integrate conservation with innovation, aiming to showcase the multifaceted character of rural areas, enhance public understanding of and participation in village culture, promote countryside tourism and local economy, and foster connections between villagers and visitors, ultimately advancing the sustainable revitalisation of countryside areas.

Below are some examples of these "prototypes":

• The Village Dog's Adventures: A narrative podcast accompanied by a booklet and simple tasks. Visitors follow the footsteps of village dogs as they travel from Luk Keng to Kuk Po, creating a richer, more engaging and interactive touring experience.

• Two-Day, One-Night Hakka Village Experience: Incorporating the "work exchange for accommodation" concept, this experience integrates a visit to the Lees' Mansion in Kuk Po, farming activities and Hakka culinary workshops to create a compact yet in-depth immersive experience into Hakka village life.

• Ma Tang Ancient Trail Tour: Centred on the ancient trail connecting Wu Kau Tang and Kuk Po, this prototype revives the historical route once used between the villages, allowing the public to retrace these footsteps through a pilot guided experience.

• Exploring Rural Life Wisdom: Through the introduction of wild plants and traditional practical skills, this guided route from Nam Chung to Luk Keng helps participants understand the everyday wisdom embedded in past rural living.

• Hing Chun Yeuk's "Five Flavours Journey": Using the five tastes as an entry point, this journey leads participants to experience the life stories and local culture around Lai Chi Wo through a sensory "taste"-based approach.

• Lai Chi Wo Village Map: A map showcasing the "unique skills" of Lai Chi Wo villagers, linking local eateries, farming and workshops, and encouraging visitors to experience village life through interaction.

• Lai Chi Wo board game: A board game infused with the stories of Lai Chi Wo villagers, encouraging visitors to explore the village and the traces of its daily life.

• Kat O Reality Game: Based on Kat O folk stories and the On Lung Ching Chiu festival, this combines physical props with a mobile game to guide visitors into Kat O through a fun, puzzle-solving game.

The countryside still holds countless stories waiting to be discovered. What other countryside "prototypes" could you think of?