Zhaotong city in Yunnan province has transformed from a traditional farming area into southern China's largest high-quality apple production base, lifting over half a million residents out of poverty.
With its ideal climate—high altitude, abundant sun, and wide temperature swings—Zhaotong now grows apples across 66,700 hectares, yielding 1.3 million tons last year and generating 15 billion yuan ($2.07 billion) in value.
The industry benefits 138,000 households, and in April last year, Zhaotong apples were included in the food supply aboard the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft.
In Zhaoyang district, a 6,670-hectare orchard—China's largest high-density apple base—uses advanced global techniques and grows 118 apple varieties. Former tobacco farmer Ding Kaiwen now earns up to 80,000 yuan annually from land leasing and orchard work.
Local brands like "Zhaoyang Red" have earned 93 green and organic certifications. Sold at 8–14 yuan per kilogram, the apples reach premium markets including Sam's Club and Hema Fresh and are exported to Southeast Asia.
The industry is also boosting tourism, with orchard tours and fruit-picking events helping diversify the local economy and improve livelihoods.
Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn
