Academics enjoy fruitful tour of Qingzhen

On Nov 16, the 2023 Red Maple Lake Green Development Academic Forum was held in Qingzhen city, Guiyang, Southwest China's Guizhou province.

Participants first visited Red Maple Lake town. In 2023, the town produced approximately 633 metric tons of tea leaves, with a yield of 126.6 tons and a total value of 88.62 million yuan ($12.35 million).

Professor Li Jian from Zhejiang A&F University's Institute of Ecological Civilization was impressed by the beautiful scenery. He said Guizhou has preserved many of its ancient tea trees and traditional tea-making techniques.

He expressed hope that Guizhou would implement the strictest environmental protection system, curb environmental pollution, promote the integration of regional public brands, and encourage the creation of more corporate brands.

The participants also visited Luojiaqiao village. By developing organic vegetables and high-quality fruit industries, the village has generated a cumulative income of 3.1 million yuan, providing employment opportunities for 160,000 people annually and helping villagers increase their income by 16 million yuan.

"I found that Red Maple Lake and Qiandao Lake share many similarities in development. Both have gone through several transformations in the functions of the lake area. Red Maple Lake town has effectively balanced development and environmental protection through the tea industry and ecological agriculture," said Yu Minzhang, a government official from Chun'an county of Zhejiang province.

He recommended Guiyang pay more attention to brand-building, further enhance its reputation and influence, and better drive the development of surrounding industries.