In Changli County, Hebei Province, greenhouse fruit farming is transforming rural life and boosting farmers’ incomes. Discover how strategic support for greenhouse agriculture is breathing new life into local economies and shaping the future of rural China.
In Changli County, located in north China’s Hebei Province, greenhouse fruit cultivation has emerged as a cornerstone of rural revitalization efforts. Recent years have seen intensified government support and agricultural innovation aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes through high-value fruit production under protected conditions.
Farmers in Changli are increasingly turning to greenhouse cultivation of peaches — a crop that benefits greatly from the controlled environment, allowing for earlier harvests and higher fruit quality. According to Xinhua reports from April 2025, local initiatives have enabled farmers to not only stabilize yields but also command better prices in both regional and national markets.
National Context:
This development in Changli mirrors broader trends across China. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, by the end of 2024, China’s total area under greenhouse cultivation reached over 4.1 million hectares, the largest in the world. Protected agriculture now contributes significantly to the production of fruits like strawberries, grapes, and peaches, providing higher incomes and more stable employment opportunities for rural communities.
China’s rural revitalization strategy, officially launched in 2018, emphasizes modernizing agriculture, diversifying income streams, and encouraging entrepreneurial innovation among farmers. Greenhouse fruit farming fits seamlessly into these goals, offering resilience against climate variability and opportunities for year-round production.
In Hebei Province alone, greenhouse fruit production expanded by approximately 6.5% in 2024, with Changli County recognized as a model for successful rural transformation through agriculture. Local government programs have provided subsidies for greenhouse construction, technical training on modern horticultural practices, and access to high-quality fruit varieties optimized for protected cultivation.
Economic Impact:
In Changli, peach farmers are now earning up to 30% more per kilogram compared to traditional open-field growers, thanks to better fruit appearance, longer market availability, and higher sweetness levels achieved in controlled environments. Moreover, greenhouse farming has helped stabilize employment, offering year-round jobs not just for landowners but also for seasonal workers, with an estimated 15% increase in agricultural labor demand in the region over the past two years.
The success of greenhouse fruit farming in Changli demonstrates how targeted support, innovative practices, and farmer empowerment can revitalize rural economies. As more regions adopt similar models, greenhouse agriculture is set to play a key role in achieving China’s broader rural revitalization goals — proving that sustainable farming innovation can transform lives from the ground up.
