Real estate developers are considerably active in Muyun Town. As local authorities highly value environmental protection, the business facilities and residential buildings are all developed in an environmentally friendly manner.

Meanwhile, local commerce is flourishing. At present, the town has five comprehensive markets. The dramatic increase in shop-front rents, nearly 167 per cent from five years ago, evidences the commercial boom.

A growing number of farmers have begun to venture business. The population involved in agriculture has dropped to 19,000 people from more than 26,000 in the past.

Among the farmers shifting careers, Meng Liangqing has reaped benefits from the town's growth.

Ten years ago, he said, he lived in a six-square-metre iron shed and made a living on growing rice. But the launch of the city group gave him a chance to make a fortune.

He invested funds in real estate, and now owns an 800-square-metre building, many parts of which are for rent. Rent income alone is nearly 30,000 yuan (US$3,750) a year.

Like Meng, more farmers have benefited from the rapid development of the local economy.

Per capita farmers' income in 2005 increased more than twofold from 2001, according to Peng Zhengqiu, head of the town's government.

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