International students admire traditional pottery in Gangyao village, Yiwu. [Photo/news.zgyww.cn]

A group of international students from the Yiwu Industrial and Commercial College visited Gangyao village in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, on Nov 12.

Gangyao village, which is located in southwestern Yiwu, is reputed for its long history of pottery-making. However, the village's pottery-making industry was recently in decline as traditional pottery lost popularity.

Today, the village has turned over a new leaf following China's massive initiative to develop rural areas. The village has been transformed into a scenic area and now receives many tourists.

Students pose for a photo while on a tour of Gangyao village in Yiwu. [Photo/news.zgyww.cn]

The visiting international students were impressed by the large ancient kiln in the village, which has a length of 60 meters and a width of 2.3 meters.

They also had the chance to visit a workshop and try their hands at making pottery there.

Most of the architecture in the village has a long history and is well preserved. Some of the old houses are 100 years old.

International students are being invited to tour rural areas so that they can witness the changes that have taken place in China's rural areas.