Grapes sweeten up Wudang's economy

A grape plantation in Matou village, Xinbao township, Wudang district experienced a bumper harvest in August, attracting a large number of tourists.

Wudang district is located in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province.

Grapes hang from trees at the grape plantation in Matou village, Wudang district. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

The grape plantation in Matou village has an area of 1,300 mu (86.67 hectares), with many varieties for consumers to choose from. The average yield is about 1,000 kilograms per mu, and the selling price is 30 to 50 yuan ($4.63-7.71) per kg.

The grapes are fermented with chicken manure as fertilizer, and physical bagging is used to prevent mosquitoes and drip irrigation and replenish the moisture of the fruit trees, making the grapes crispy and sweet.

An aerial view of the grape plantation in Matou village, Wudang district [Photo/Guiyang news network]

"Recently, more than 70 tourists have visited my grape garden to pick grapes every day. My average daily income is 5,000 yuan," said Wang Ping, a resident of Matou village.

Through the introduction of leading agricultural enterprises, Matou village has developed its grape industry and driven villagers to achieve continuous income growth through lease rebates and land transfers, according to Wei Guojun, chairman of the Matou village committee.

Two tourists pick grapes in Matou village, Wudang district. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

Moving forward, while promoting its grape industry, Matou village will also develop ecological sightseeing agriculture and rural tourism.

It will create a rural tourism distribution center integrating ecological agriculture, sightseeing, and pastoral experience to promote the integrated development of agriculture, culture, business, and tourism.