KUNMING, March 21 — Yunnan Province, located in southwest China, is witnessing a significant transformation in its flower industry, bolstered by the recent export of 100,000 Black Baccara roses from Lijiang to Tokyo’s Ginza district.

This rapid journey from local cultivation to international markets exemplifies Lijiang's emergence as a prominent hub for the export of high-quality floral products.

The development of Lijiang's flower industry began in 2014 when farmers in Qihe Township, part of Gucheng District, initiated flower cultivation efforts.

Initial struggles, including substandard greenhouse infrastructure and inadequate agricultural knowledge, were addressed by a provincial revitalization initiative in 2017 that provided essential support to the growers.

By 2018, a substantial investment of 1.2 billion yuan (approximately 167 million U.S. dollars) led to the establishment of a modern flower industrial park spanning 350,000 square meters.

This facility integrates advanced agricultural practices and technologies, including international seed varieties and state-of-the-art smart greenhouses, allowing for a significant turning point in the industry.

The industrial park currently produces around 40.46 million fresh-cut flowers annually, generating an output value of 51.5 million yuan.

The region’s geographical advantages—such as an average altitude of 2,400 meters, 2,500 hours of annual sunshine, and daily temperature fluctuations of 15 degrees Celsius—contribute to its suitability for flower cultivation.

According to Zhang Lihui, the park's deputy manager, local roses are distinguished by their large buds, vibrant colors, and prolonged vase life.

The implementation of cutting-edge technologies, including precise environmental controls and irrigation systems, has achieved a remarkable 90 percent success rate for the cultivation of fresh-cut flowers.

As Lijiang’s largest flower cultivation base, the industrial park has been instrumental in driving the local economy.

In the year 2024, Gucheng District exported 3.62 million fresh-cut flowers, yielding 8.33 million yuan in sales, while the entire industrial chain’s output value reached 328 million yuan.

The sector has created approximately 1,500 jobs, resulting in average annual income increases of over 30,000 yuan for local families.

Yunnan's flowers play a critical role not only at a provincial level but also on the global stage.

In 2024, the province’s total export value of fresh-cut flowers reached 760 million yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of 34.2 percent, with prominent customers including Thailand, Japan, and Singapore.

The province has consistently maintained its standing as the leading region for fresh-cut flower exports in China, a distinction it has held for six consecutive years.

The Dounan Flower Market, the largest in Asia, processes 11 billion stems annually and serves as a vital trading and distribution center.

By the close of 2024, Yunnan anticipates having 1.95 million mu (130,000 hectares) under flower cultivation, which includes 350,000 mu specifically for fresh-cut flowers, yielding approximately 20.6 billion flowers and maintaining its status as the world’s top producer of commercial ornamental flowers.

Furthermore, about 380,000 individuals are employed in various aspects of the flower industry, including cultivation, sorting, packaging, logistics, and e-commerce.

The development and expansion of online platforms like HUAEB have further transformed the industry.

The platform boasts nearly 700,000 registered users and facilitates a transaction every five seconds during peak hours.

The recent launch of HUAEB Global aims to enhance Yunnan’s engagement with international markets.

As noted by Zhao Yongneng, the founder of the online trading platform, Yunnan's floral artistry is now being distributed to over 50 countries and regions, including Singapore, Japan, and Russia.

With these advancements, Yunnan’s floral industry continues to bloom on the global scene.