Xuecheng district and China Agricultural University join forces to build a pomegranate testing nursery, fostering innovation in pomegranate cultivation. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Leveraging its rich natural resources, Zhangzhuang village in Xuecheng district, Zaozhuang, Shandong province has embraced pomegranates as a cornerstone of its development strategy.

By actively cultivating industrial clusters and forging a comprehensive industrial chain, the village has transformed this treasured fruit into a driving force behind sustainable growth and the development of tourism.

Xuecheng district currently boasts a sprawling expanse of 40,000 mu (2666.67 hectares) dedicated to pomegranate cultivation, complemented by 15 premium pomegranate varieties.

Zhangzhuang village is home to pomegranate cosmetics deep processing facilities, a digital industrial park, and pomegranate garden landscapes, further solidifying its position as a pomegranate industry hub.

The village's entrepreneurial spirit has flourished, with 56 e-commerce businesses, 15 thriving agritourism and rural homestays, and 35 businesses focusing on pomegranate root carvings and bonsai.

This vibrant ecosystem has forged a complete pomegranate industrial chain, revitalizing the village's economy and optimizing land utilization.

Zhangzhuang village has delved deep into pomegranate cultivation, nurturing a flourishing tourism industry and transforming itself into a scenic destination. The Zhangzhuang Pomegranate Scenic Area has been recognized as a national 3A-level tourist attraction, welcoming over 700,000 visitors in 2023.

By embracing its local resources and fostering innovation, the village has carved a path towards sustainable development.