Turning Scarcity Into Abundance: How a Formerly Barren Region Became a Hub of Hope
In the 1970s, the Xihaigu region in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region was declared one of the world's 'most unfit places for human settlement' by the World Food Program due to extreme drought and poverty. Decades later, it's the backdrop for an unlikely success story.
Wang Yueying, who grew up in Xihaigu, relocated to the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains in the 2000s, drawn by opportunities in an emerging wine industry. Starting as a laborer, she mastered grape cultivation and now manages a thriving vineyard. ‘Every step was a battle against the land,’ Wang says. ‘But hardship taught me to adapt.’
Her journey mirrors Ningxia's transformation: The region now boasts over 100 wineries, contributing to China's status as a top global wine producer. Experts credit innovative irrigation techniques and climate-resilient crops for turning arid slopes into fertile grounds.
‘Never give up despite the hardships—that’s what makes a vineyard manager,’ Wang emphasizes, a philosophy resonating with young entrepreneurs worldwide.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
