The Chongchuan Bee Science and Technology Backyard in Nantong was chosen for the latest list of Science and Technology Backyards by the China Rural Special Technology Association.

A Chinese honeybee hive at the Chongchuan Bee Science and Technology Backyard. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The backyard, jointly established by Jiangsu Oulai Technology, Yangzhou University and other institutions, focuses on conserving the Chinese honeybee (Apis cerana cerana) and putting related research into practical use.

The Chinese honeybee is a protected native species and plays a vital agricultural resource. About 75 percent of global crops depend on insect pollination. Without bees and other pollinators, yields of numerous fruits, vegetables, and oil crops would plummet.

Founded in 2020, Jiangsu Oulai Technology develops solutions for urban and hobby beekeeping. It holds more than 20 granted patents and has created a data-driven system for managing bee colonies.

The company has introduced its own bee-themed brand and offers both online and offline services for bee enthusiasts. It has also ventured into agritourism, established bee eco-farms, and opened a bee-themed cafe.