In the lush valleys of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a golden transformation is underway. Nilka County, nestled in the Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture at an average altitude of 1,800 meters, has emerged as an unlikely economic powerhouse – one honeycomb at a time.
Home to the prized Xinjiang black bees, one of China's four major bee species, the region boasts over 270 varieties of nectar-rich flora. CGTN Digital reporter Li Yimei recently trekked through alpine meadows to document how local beekeepers are turning this natural bounty into sustainable livelihoods. "Our bees work harder than we do," joked Ablimit, a third-generation beekeeper, as he showed Li traditional wooden hives brimming with activity.
The industry's growth reflects broader rural revitalization efforts. Cooperatives now combine ancient apiculture traditions with modern quality standards, producing premium honey sought after in domestic and international markets. E-commerce platforms have enabled direct farm-to-table sales, increasing profits for local families by up to 40% since 2020.
Environmental scientists highlight the operation's circular benefits: bee pollination boosts nearby crop yields while maintaining biodiversity. With annual production exceeding 500 tons, Xinjiang's honey sector demonstrates how ecological advantages can drive inclusive economic growth – a sweet success story with global implications.
