Another generation, another compulsory migration. Another set of goodbyes and last looks. Zhang Longfu gave a proud stare at his grove of orange trees, which had earned him and his family 50,000-60,000 yuan each year. The government compensation is a one-time payment of a little over 100,000 yuan. Zhang could be bitter, but he’s not. Not right now at least.

"Sometimes you have to sacrifice something," he said.

Zhang Longfu, a 48-year-old farmer, is checking his new residence, where he is going to move in by the end of August. This is the second migration for him in 40 years.[China.org.cn]

So it is for the latest migration ordered by the Hubei government.

Because of the Danjiangkou Reservoir on the Hanjiang River, Hubei possesses rich water resources, so the government chose it as the source for the central route of the water project.

As the major part of the central water route, the Danjiangkou Reservoir will guarantee more than 9.5 billion cubic meters of water to support the middle line every year after the project is finished, said Tang Yuanchang, vice president of Central Route Water Company in Danjiangkou City, Hubei.

Zhang, a 48-year-old Hubei farmer, is one of hundreds of thousands leaving his home and livelihood so China’s south-to-north water-transfer project can proceed. He and his parents made the same sacrifice 40 years ago, though that compulsory relocation in 1970 wasn’t very fair. This time, Zhang said, he has had some choices, perhaps some rights, so the process feels better.

"There were a few people refusing to move out. Nobody wants to leave home, but the main reason is money," Zhang said.

He chose a new home, a two-story house in Liangshuijing village, Gucheng County of Xiangfan City. Zhang said most of his villagers from Miaowan village, Danjiangkou, will also be relocated there by the end of August.

They chose this area from 194 settlements spread over nine cities in Hubei and were also allowed to decide the style of their new homes.