In the depths of winter, Qingdao's strawberry greenhouses are bustling with activity, creating a seamless "sweet industry value chain" from picking to distribution. This thriving sector not only enriches the urban fruit supply but also boosts local incomes, vividly illustrating rural vitalization in action.

At 37 degrees north latitude, Qingdao's temperate monsoon climate is ideal for strawberry cultivation. Production spans seven districts, each with distinct strengths: Qingdao West Coast New Area, Pingdu, and Laixi focus on large-scale planting, while Laoshan and Chengyang, closer to the city, emphasize agritourism like picking tours.

Annually, Qingdao produces 60,000 metric tons of strawberries on 30,000 mu (about 2,000 hectares) of land, generating over 1 billion yuan ($143.47 million) in output.

Freshness is key to the entire industry. In Pingdu, growers like Shi Ani use advanced seedling techniques to harvest strawberries a month earlier, with premium varieties reaching up to 40 yuan per kilogram. Pre-dawn trading markets are lively as cold-chain trucks await freshly picked berries.

This efficiency is a result of integrated technologies — from virus-free seedlings and elevated soilless cultivation to smart water-fertilizer systems — developed through collaboration between agricultural institutes and universities.

Beyond fresh sales, Qingdao is extending the industry value chain. In Chengyang, companies like Qingdao Lyuwochuan use IoT-controlled smart greenhouses for "aerial strawberries", boosting land use by 40 percent. Meanwhile, districts like Laoshan blend picking with educational tourism, offering parent-child activities and art workshops.

Driven by continuous innovation in breeding and smart farming, Qingdao's strawberry industry continues to evolve, transforming winter fields into engines of sustainable growth and community prosperity.

Qingdao's thriving strawberry industry not only enriches urban fruit supplies but also boosts local incomes, vividly illustrating rural vitalization in action. [Photo/WeChat account: xihaianwenlv]