YINCHUAN — Nestled at the eastern foothills of Helan Mountain in Northwest China’s Ningxia Hui autonomous region, Yuanshi Vineyard stands as a testament to transformation. Where once laid abandoned sand mines, today’s landscape boasts thriving grapevines and bustling wineries.
Yuan Hui, the visionary behind Yuanshi Vineyard, recalls the daunting task of reclaiming barren terrain. “It’s hard to imagine that the winery used to be a mine scattered with gravel and covered in dust,” Yuan reflects. In 2008, he embarked on an ambitious venture, converting a 400-hectare sand mine into a verdant vineyard. With support from local authorities, Yuan initiated grape cultivation and ecological restoration efforts. By 2014, the winery welcomed visitors, offering a blend of wine and eco-tourism experiences.
The wine industry has been a driving force behind the greening of the once-barren lands near Helan Mountain. Stretching over 195 kilometers, a lush belt of grapevines now adorns the region. Water-saving irrigation techniques have transformed arid soil into a sprawling oasis of 20,000 hectares of vineyards and 4,000 hectares of shelterbelts.
According to Zhao Shihua, director of a wine industry technology innovation center, the region’s dry climate, suitable soil conditions, and ample sunshine create ideal conditions for grape cultivation. “Grapes grown here exhibit excellent aroma, pigment, sugar, and acidity levels,” Zhao explains.
Situated at a latitude of 38 degrees north, parallel to renowned wine-producing regions in Spain, Italy, and the United States, Ningxia’s vineyards have garnered international acclaim. Local wines, praised for their quality, are exported to countries like Canada, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, earning recognition from esteemed sommeliers like Jancis Robinson.
Yu Huiming, a pioneer winemaker in Ningxia, reminisces about the industry’s humble beginnings. “In the 1980s, securing a bottle opener was a challenge when we first introduced our locally produced wine,” Yu recalls. Today, wine has burgeoned into a thriving industry, propelling economic growth and job creation in the region.
The wine industry has become a vital source of employment, offering approximately 130,000 jobs annually to locals. Vineyard operations, requiring extensive labor, engage workers for nearly eight months each year. From nurturing grapevines to safeguarding them against winter frost, labor-intensive tasks sustain livelihoods for many.
Ma Shoujian, a local grape grower, attests to the industry’s prosperity. “In recent years, vineyards have multiplied in the area, providing ample job opportunities,” Ma affirms. With experience, Ma has ascended to managerial roles, enjoying financial stability and personal growth. “Earning 10,000 yuan ($1,400) a month is no longer a challenge,” Ma proudly declares, a testament to the transformative power of the wine industry in Ningxia.
