In the rugged mountains of northwest China, flowers thrive in the most unlikely places, symbolizing resilience and strength. This image has resonated deeply with a group of young entrepreneurs from Shanghai, inspiring them to establish the Dulaan winery in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and to make a mark on the global wine market.
Their efforts are supported by the Ningxia government, which has rolled out favorable policies to promote and grow the local wine industry. The region’s distinctive climate and environmental advantages have made it an attractive location for wine production, with ambitions to transform Ningxia into an international hub for the industry.
Xue Yingzi, the deputy manager of Dulaan, is one of the visionaries behind this project. She is part of a new generation of entrepreneurs drawn to Ningxia’s unique landscape, the quality of local wine, and the incentives offered by local authorities. Xue’s employer decided to establish the winery and entrusted her with overseeing its development.
Reflecting on her experience, Xue recalls the challenges of adjusting to life in Ningxia. “Our company is based in Shanghai, and during the construction phase, I found myself flying back and forth almost every month, adapting to the climate and learning the art of winemaking, all while managing unforeseen obstacles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.
Spanning 3,303 mu (220 hectares) of land, with an initial phase covering 1,415 mu and a planned investment of 1.5 billion yuan (approximately $207 million), the Dulaan winery aims to develop a comprehensive wine production chain, from grape cultivation to the final product, while also promoting wine culture tourism.
Despite facing multiple setbacks during construction, Xue remains optimistic about the project’s future. She recalls a particularly inspiring moment when her team encountered intricate patterns on the rocks, revealing tiny flowers that, though moss, symbolized strength and perseverance. “I believe that resilience, perseverance, and hope are qualities inherent to Ningxia and its people,” Xue said, “and these qualities have motivated me to overcome the challenges we faced.”
To enhance the winery’s global reach, Dulaan has introduced new grape varieties, recruited international research and development experts, and created a platform for global industry exchanges. Additionally, they are combining wine tasting with leisure activities to offer visitors a themed estate experience for relaxation and exploration.
In recent years, Ningxia has been accelerating the integration of wine and cultural tourism, with a focus on winery clusters and wine tourism complexes. The region has launched six major projects to develop and improve its wine sector, with a total investment of 21.85 billion yuan this year. Several significant construction projects are already underway, further solidifying Ningxia’s position as a key player in the global wine industry.
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