Promoting High-Quality Rural Development Adapted to Local Realities in China
China’s Yunnan Province Leads the Way in Rural Revitalization Through Flower Economy and Cultural Tourism
BEIJING, March 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent inspection tour of Yunnan Province has highlighted the region’s innovative approach to rural development. By focusing on the “flower economy” and cultural tourism, Yunnan is setting a benchmark for high-quality rural revitalization tailored to local realities.
Lijiang Modern Flower Industrial Park: A Model of Innovation
Located in Lijiang, Yunnan Province, the Lijiang Modern Flower Industrial Park exemplifies China’s commitment to modernizing its rural areas. The park features state-of-the-art greenhouses equipped with intelligent production systems and soilless cultivation technology. Over 85% of the facilities use integrated water and fertilizer irrigation systems, ensuring efficient and sustainable operations.
Thanks to its proximity to Lijiang Airport, freshly cut flowers like roses and arums can be airlifted to major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as exported to Japan, Vietnam, and Russia within 36 hours. This rapid distribution network has created over 300 jobs in the surrounding rural areas, significantly boosting local incomes.
During his visit, President Xi Jinping engaged with villagers and technicians, learning about flower varieties, market sales, and revenue. Villagers reported earning an average of over 4,000 yuan (approximately $557.46) monthly, with incomes exceeding 7,000 yuan during peak seasons. “Growing flowers is truly enjoyable work,” they shared with the President.
“Your flourishing business aligns with the trajectory of modern agriculture. May your lives be as beautiful as your flowers,” President Xi remarked, expressing his delight at the park’s success.
The Rise of Yunnan’s Flower Economy
Yunnan’s unique geographical and climatic conditions have earned it the title of “Plant Kingdom,” making it an ideal hub for the flower economy. The province has consistently ranked among the top regions in China for fresh-cut flower production. In 2024, Yunnan cultivated flowers across 1.95 million mu (approximately 130,000 hectares), with 350,000 mu dedicated solely to cut flowers. The province produced 20.6 billion cut flowers, securing its position as a global leader in the industry.
The flower industry directly employs 380,000 people in planting, sorting, packaging, logistics, and e-commerce, while indirectly supporting over a million jobs. Decades of effort have resulted in a robust industrial chain, including Asia’s largest flower auction center and the world’s second-largest.
In 2024, the Kunming Flora Auction Trading Center recorded an average daily trade volume of 7.06 million flower stems, with transactions completed in just four seconds and a success rate of 95.34%. Flowers auctioned here are shipped to major Chinese cities and exported to over 50 countries and territories.
President Xi emphasized the importance of industrial transformation and modernization for high-quality development, urging Yunnan to actively promote strategic emerging industries and future-oriented sectors.
Cultural Tourism: A Catalyst for Economic Growth
During his visit, President Xi also explored Lijiang’s ancient town, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1997. The town’s rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant folk traditions have made it a cultural and tourism hotspot. Over the past 27 years, Lijiang has built 30 cultural courtyards, creating spaces dedicated to preserving and promoting its heritage while boosting the local tourism industry.
Today, Lijiang’s tourism sector thrives through a blend of catering, accommodation, crafts, and performing arts. Increasing numbers of young entrepreneurs are establishing businesses in the town, contributing to the preservation and promotion of national cultural heritage.
From January to September 2024, Lijiang welcomed 17.05 million tourists, marking a 13.07% year-on-year increase. The integration of culture and tourism has not only enhanced local incomes but also strengthened the balance between heritage protection and economic development.
President Xi underscored the importance of sustainable and healthy development in the cultural and tourism sectors, urging stakeholders to prioritize long-term growth over short-term gains.
Conclusion
Yunnan Province’s innovative approach to rural development, centered on the flower economy and cultural tourism, serves as a model for China’s broader modernization efforts. By leveraging local strengths and fostering sustainable practices, Yunnan is paving the way for high-quality rural revitalization that benefits both its residents and the global community.
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Source: Tunisia News Gazette
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