Sow what you reap

Every year, more than 100,000 visitors descend on the town for the annual Yangtze River international music festival, Nie says.

More than 1 billion yuan has been invested to improve local infrastructure.

"Everything was quite primitive in our village," he says. "Many rivers and ponds were clogged up with silt and weeds ran wild.

"A network of wastewater pipelines and treatment facilities have been now installed, and rural toilets have been upgraded."

Efforts have also been made to improve local ecological environment.

"Asphalt roads were developed after Xi's visit and LED streetlights were installed," Nie says.

"We are also pushing for a garbage recycling system."

Sightseeing and health tourism experiences are also available in the town, and more options are in the pipeline. "We are promoting rural homestays and farmhouse experiences at the moment," says Nie.

Ye, too, has been working on upgrading the facilities at her fruit farm.

"Some old things, such as the roof membranes and the peripheral bird nets will need to be replaced to ensure everything is in top condition," Ye says.

She has also kept in touch with agriculture experts to keep abreast of the latest developments in planting technology.

"For instance, we now use fermented soybeans and cow dung as organic fertilizers to enhance the taste of our grapes," she says.

She believes these measures are necessary to meeting the constantly evolving tastes of her customer base. Ye is now considering sending her fruit to high-end markets in the nearby cities.

"Next year, we will have 40 mu of shine-muscat grapes hitting the market," Ye says.