Sanya's 'flower economy’ sparks new rural vitalization momentum

Sanya's Yazhou district is home to over 300 water-lily varieties, while Tianya district's 30-mu (2-hectare) lotus pond is blooming in Baoqian village. Flowers power rural vitalization in Sanya.

Gao Zhenkang, Party secretary and head of Baogu village, said, "In the past, we mainly focused on trial planting. There were only a few varieties of water lilies, and each plant could only be sold for 1 yuan ($0.14). Villagers were not very enthusiastic."

The turning point came when cooperation with universities continued to deepen. The variety of water lilies became increasingly diverse, and techniques have also developed. From cautious planting to confident large-scale cultivation; from seeking sales channels to customers coming to us on their own initiative - the "water lily story" of Baogu village has blossomed with brilliant colors.

Using flowers as a medium, Sanya has turned its ecological dominance into economic dominance. The sightseeing and flower appreciation activities have made tourists reluctant to leave and have spurred the development of nearby industries.

The director of the Sanya municipal agriculture and rural affairs bureau said, "We will continue to combine the flower industry with tourism and culture, making the 'beautiful economy' a driver of rural vitalization and letting rural areas shine with even more beauty."

The lotus flowers in Baoqian village are in full bloom. [Photo/Sanya Daily]