Hundred miles of azalea blossoms create economic fortunes in southwest China's Guizhou

The Azalea Scenic Area in Bijie, southwest China's Guizhou Province, has seen its sea of flowers reaching full bloom in recent days, ushering in the year's most colorful and beautiful season.

Over a million tourists flock to the scenic area each spring to see the riot of color and vibrant hues of azaleas as far as the eye can see.

"It gives people a wonderful feeling, as the azaleas along the way uphill are bright and beautiful, giving me a sense of freedom and openness," said Chen Fangfang, one of the tourists from northwest China's Gansu Province.

The scenic zone, a once impoverished region, has revitalized its rural areas through focused development of its scenic and cultural assets.

The park is considered the most beautiful and colorful belt of azaleas on Earth, as these stunning colors of azaleas stretch as far as 100 miles, earning it's name "Baili Dujuan", meaning "one-hundred mile Azalea" in Chinese.

It's also the world's largest preserved primitive azalea forest, crowded with over 40 Azalea species.

Yet, there's a backstory to this floral spectacle, on how 150,000 residents nurtured a laid-back town into a present-day national agricultural-tourism success story, and a model for China's rural vitalization.

"Nearly 50,000 people, that's about one-third of the population, rely on the flower-viewing economy to increase income in Baili Dujuan District. By developing different scenic spots, residents' income has increased. Many of them depend on tourism for a living," said Ding Lian, deputy head of the scenic area's tourism bureau.

In 2013, the park was accorded the highest rating of 5A in China's classification of tourist destinations. Since then, officials say the Baili Azalea Scenic Area has attracted tens of millions of domestic and international tourists.

Every blossom season, tens of thousands of tourists visit the park at any given day.

But the park's operations go beyond the peak bloom season.

"People come here to appreciate the azaleas in spring, to cool off during summer and enjoy the hot springs in winter. These three seasons help boost the sustainable development of tourism in Baili Dujuan for the whole year," said Meng Delin, operation manager of the scenic area.

The marriage of governance with foresight, people participation, preservation of nature, respect for culture, and reasonable use of science and technology, has helped the businesses of Huijing Flower Science and Technology Park prosper.

It's a company dedicated to propagating Azalea species that bloom for one month longer.

More than that, the park is also doing business with customers outside Guizhou, or even outside China.

"We send all in this size to South Korea and Vietnam. They also like it very much. The South Korean people, they like it during the spring time, they sell it in the spring time. And also the Vietnam people, they are buying [during] our Chinese New Year. So they use it to decorate their house or office," said Tong Xiaozhe, manager of Huijing Flower Science and Technology Park.

Since its establishment in 2022, the company has hired dozens of local farmers, providing them not just with alternative income, but also advanced skills training to ensure a better harvest of azaleas.

Fifteen-seven-year-old Ye Xianghui is one of the farmers-turned-gardeners.

Before joining Huijing, she planted potatoes and corn, making less than 400 yuan or some 55 U.S. dollars per month.

But now her income has seen a nearly tenfold increase after working as a gardener here.

"I used to live on planting crops and doing farm work, with very little income. Now, at the flower science and technology park, I can make more than 3,000 yuan (about 414 U.S. dollars) per month. I can take care of my family, and even raise pigs and cows. The job is easier and cleaner. I can wear clean clothes and shoes. And it's not tiring. I'm very happy with my life now," she said.

As millions flock to see the wonder of the scenic area every year, and as Bijie City enjoys prosperity as a result, it is assuring to know that every effort is made to leave no member of the community behind.

Hundred miles of azalea blossoms create economic fortunes in southwest China's Guizhou

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth