In Tunchang County's Yashipu Village, located on Hainan Province's lush tropical island, farmers have tapped into an unexpected gold mine: the humble zongzi leaf.
Over the past decade, villagers transformed 45 hectares beneath mature rubber trees into a thriving zongzi leaf farm, harvesting roughly six million leaves every year.
These leaves aren't just wrapping for sticky rice dumplings—they're the cultural symbol of the Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated across Asia by millions. Their flexible texture, rich herbal scent, and ample size mean demand spikes each June, but savvy producers now keep orders flowing year-round.
Data-driven farming is at the heart of Yashipu's success. By integrating smart irrigation and organic soil management, yields have soared. The average household income here has jumped more than six-fold compared to 2013, turning a seasonal festival staple into a perennial cash crop.
For young entrepreneurs and sustainability advocates, Yashipu offers a blueprint: pairing traditional crops with modern practices to unlock fresh revenue streams. And for globe-trotters craving authentic experiences, the village's zongzi festivals and farm stays are an immersive peek into local life—complete with hands-on leaf harvesting, dumpling-making workshops, and Dragon Boat crafts.
As the Dragon Boat Festival nears, Yashipu Village's zongzi leaves are already heading to markets across the Chinese mainland and beyond. It's a testament to how a simple leaf can wrap up big opportunities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
