In Tianshui, northwest China's Gansu Province, the scent of Chinese prickly ash wafting from workshops in Gangu County and the sight of apple-laden branches in Qin'an County's orchards together paint a vivid picture of rural prosperity. Across the region, industries that enrich local communities are flourishing, driving both economic growth and the transformation of the countryside.

The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasized building a beautiful and harmonious countryside for people to live and work in, and ensuring that policies aimed at strengthening agriculture, benefiting farmers and achieving rural prosperity deliver greater outcomes.

Industrial development serves as the cornerstone of rural revitalization. Gangu County has a long history of Chinese prickly ash cultivation. In recent years, the county has made the pepper industry a key driver of its revitalization efforts, expanding plantation bases and improving both yield and quality. By the end of 2024, Gangu had about 14,700 hectares of pepper plantations, generating an output value exceeding 1.18 billion yuan (about $165 million).

In Xichuan Town of Qin'an County, rows of apple orchards stretch across the land, their branches heavy with red fruit. Known as a leading fruit-producing town, Xichuan grows apples and peaches as its primary sources of income. The town has over 2,666 hectares of fruit plantations, including 1,000 hectares of apples. During harvest season, local authorities actively connect with buyers from other regions and leverage e-commerce livestreaming to boost sales, helping farmers secure better and faster returns.

From pepper to apples, Tianshui's thriving industries are lifting up its villages and improving the lives of farmers. With local specialties taking root and the construction of beautiful and harmonious villages accelerating, Tianshui's countryside is embracing a future that is richer, greener and more vibrant than ever.