The fruit industry has been gaining momentum in recent years in Tongzhou district in Nantong – and nowadays orchards in the district occupy an area of 18 square kilometers, generating total output value of 127 million yuan ($17.81 million). 

That’s according to local officials who said that in order to boost the local fruit industry, the district has explored new sales modes. 

For instance, fruit-picking is one of Tongzhou orchardists' major measures to bolster the tourism industry and promote local development.

“Our orchard wants to bring joy to guests by allowing them to pick fruit for themselves,” said Wang Zhuqing, owner of a local orchard. That business brought him a revenue of 700,000 yuan in the first half of the year. 

E-commerce has also proved to be a big boost to the fruit industry in Tongzhou, officials added.

A worker enjoys harvesting grapes in an orchard in Tongzhou district, Nantong. The booming local fruit industry generates a total output value of 127 million yuan annually. [Photo/tongzhou.gov.cn]