Wine industry expands in Gobi, nudging French competitors

YINCHUAN - In the past few years, a large expanse of the Gobi Desert in northwest China has gained an international reputation for its vineyards.

At a latitude similar to that of France's Bordeaux region, the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region are optimal for planting quality wine grapes.

Chen Deqi, from Fujian province, owns a vineyard in Ningxia. He said the Gobi is an ideal place to grow grapes because of its abundant sunshine, variable temperature range and rocky, sandy soil that provides rich minerals and good air circulation.