Zhengzhou

Chen Haotong, 10, found his summer vacation in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province, boring, even though he can be with his parents, who sell wonton near a university campus.

"In our village, I can catch shrimp in rivers and play beanbag games with friends, but here, I haven't made any friends," said Chen, who had joined his parents in Zhengzhou for nearly a month with his elder sister.

Chen went to a zoo with his sister this summer but he said he realized animals in a zoo lack freedom, just as he does in the city.

Chen's father, Chen Yanmin, said he plans to take the two children to see the Yellow River, which he said he believes his children will be excited to visit.

During school days, the two live with their grandparents in a village in Xinyang, Henan province, and they can see their parents only during the summer or winter vacations.

Chen Haotong's parents said they were considering finding a school for him in Zhengzhou so that he can stay with them and have a better education.

They have signed him up for summer courses, so the boy had to take a one-hour bus ride on his own to attend English and math classes every afternoon.

Chen Yanmin was a little worried about his son's safety on the road, but neither he nor his wife has the time to take their son.

In his spare time, Chen Haotong helps his parents at their wonton stand.

Urban life is full of new experiences for the boy. He was curious to see most clients staring at their smartphone screens, busy surfing the Internet. "He need to adapt himself to the city," the father said.

Qi Xin, Li Feilong and Zhang Yongfei contributed to this story.

(China Daily USA 08/22/2013 page7)