Fresh-cut flowers from southwest China's Yunnan Province are gaining global traction, with exports surging due to improved cultivation, higher quality, efficient transport, and innovative partnerships.
Known as the "Kingdom of Flowers," Yunnan produces a diverse variety of blooms, highly sought after by domestic consumers. Now, local flower growers are expanding into international markets and achieving significant success. According to the Kunming Customs, in 2024, the export value of fresh-cut flowers from Yunnan reached 760 million yuan (about 104 million U.S. dollars), marking a 34 percent year-on-year increase. Major export destinations include Thailand, Japan, and Singapore.
Zhou Yulian, a local flower grower and wholesaler, has witnessed these changes firsthand. She recalled visiting a flower shop in Kazakhstan years ago and seeing only a handful of Chinese flowers. Now, they make up a significant portion of the selection. "The growth can be attributed to the steadily improving quality of our locally grown flowers, enhanced by better cultivation techniques. Additionally, our prices are relatively competitive," she said.
Her views are echoed by Xie Yaorong, manager of Kunming Huaeb Technology Co., Ltd., who began exploring overseas markets as early as 1999. Today, his business spans around 20 countries, with Southeast Asia as a key market. "We ship about 20 truckloads to Thailand each month. During festive seasons like the one we're having now, that number increases to around 40 truckloads, with each truck carrying roughly 400,000 stems. So, the sales are quite strong," Xie said.
Thanks to the smooth Kunming-Bangkok Expressway and efficient customs procedures, trucks loaded with freshly cut blooms reach Thailand in just three days, where Chinese flowers are in high demand.
"Roses are very popular, especially red roses. The carnations also sell well because they're long lasting. When they're in a bouquet, they last for a long time. So, customers like it," said Phatchamon Saelao, a Thai florist.
Besides, Xie's company is partnering with businesses in key markets, setting up overseas warehouses to streamline distribution.
As the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, expands, Yunnan's flower farmers are also embracing new partners, including those in the Middle East.
"Our flowers are competitively priced in Dubai, and our output is also very high. Currently, we export between six to 10 tonnes per week to the city, which is almost enough to fill up the entire plane," Xie said.
Flower exports from Yunnan see strong growth
The Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is emerging as a key engine for China's fast-growing low-altitude economy by leveraging its dense industrial networks, efficient logistics systems, and rapid innovation capacity.
From logistics and manufacturing to urban services, the region is building an integrated industrial chain that allows low-altitude industries to scale up at unprecedented speed, thus turning drone-based applications from isolated trials into large-scale, commercial operations.
China's 15th Five-Year Plan, covering 2026 to 2030, calls for the cultivation of new pillar industries and the accelerated development of strategic emerging industrial clusters, including the low-altitude economy.
At a drone operations center in Bao'an District, Shenzhen City in south China's Guangdong Province, a dozen logistics drones take off and land within minutes. Urgently needed production parts, documents, and small parcels are dispatched from here to cities in the province including Dongguan, Zhongshan, and Zhuhai.
Behind these high-flying aircraft lies what observers describe as an "invisible industrial chain", built on speed and efficiency.
"Look at this aircraft. About 90 percent of its components come from nearby areas. Relying on Shenzhen's strong logistics capabilities and its complete supply chain, these parts can be delivered to our factory within half an hour for assembly, processing, and production," said Li Kunhuang, person-in-charge of Shenzhen GODO Innovation Technology Co., Ltd.
Once a new product is unveiled, testing and calibration begin immediately at the drone testing field. As soon as the process is completed, the new models can be put into real-world operation, realizing almost “zero delay” from research and development to application.
Supported by a robust industrial chain, low-altitude routes in Shenzhen are effectively connecting the urban landscape. From its Bao'an District to Songshan Lake in Dongguan City, production components can be delivered within one hour. Supplies are transported between Zhuhai City's Xiangzhou Port to Dong'ao Island in just 25 minutes. And light industrial goods can travel round-trip within a single day between Guzhen Town in Zhongshan City and Xinhui District in Jiangmen City.
More low-altitude application scenarios are expected to be implemented in the near future.
In Qianhai District, Shenzhen is accelerating the construction of a pilot demonstration zone of low-altitude integrated three-dimensional transportation hub.
"We have built the country's first low-altitude integrated three-dimensional transportation hub, and are gradually developing a pilot flight zone that integrates multiple scenarios such as inspection, logistics, and cultural tourism. This will provide technical support for the next step of commercializing cross-border logistics and emergency rescue services across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area," said Wu Xuemin, head of the Shenzhen Qianhai Low-Altitude Integrated Three-Dimensional Transportation Hub Pilot Demonstration Zone.
Integrated supply chains propel Greater Bay Area's low-altitude economy growth
Integrated supply chains propel Greater Bay Area's low-altitude economy growth
