Waxberries grow in greenhouses in Xianju county. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

In Xianju county, Taizhou, Zhejiang province, clusters of green waxberries adorn branches in greenhouses, indicating a good harvest.

Lin Jianjun, head of the Fuyin Fruit Specialized Cooperative, said, "We planted 47 mu (3.13 hectares) of waxberries in greenhouses, with an investment of 100,000 yuan ($13,801.05) for each, and the government subsidized half of the cost."

He emphasized that greenhouse cultivation allows for an earlier market entry, improved fruit quality, and increased sugar content.

The waxberry, also known as bayberry, is a characteristic agricultural product in Xianju. At present, the area boasts a total planting area of more than 9,666 hectares, with an output of 120,000 metric tons.

Local growers like Xu Renmi have embraced intelligent technology in their planting, using intelligent management systems and specialized mobile apps to monitor and adjust greenhouse conditions.

"Our smart greenhouse was established last year, covering an area of 11.8 mu. The government subsidized 30,000 yuan for each mu," said Xu.

Xianju has a long history of bayberry cultivation. A total of 13,425 ancient bayberry trees that are hundreds of years old have been found in Xianju, with several reaching more than 1,000 years old.

In November, the Zhejiang Xianju Ancient Bayberry Compound Planting and Breeding System was recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Moreover, the traditionally seasonal nature of bayberry production has been transformed into a year-round industry, with 19 local leading bayberry enterprises exploring derivative products such as bayberry popsicles, juice, and pastries.

Zhejiang Meiyuan Agricultural Development Company has engaged in this transformation. Yang Lili, head of the company, said, "We mainly produce wine and drinks related to bayberries, with an annual output value of more than 10 million yuan."