Shandong district bakes its way to rural vitalization

Two villagers collaborate to sort the freshly made pancakes for subsequent packaging and sale. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In a remarkable step towards its rural vitalization, Tongshan village — located in the Laiwu district of Jinan city, in East China's Shandong province — has successfully harnessed the potential of its pancake industry to drive local prosperity.

This year, the village set up a handmade pancake workshop, providing employment for more than 10 villagers, each earning more than 2,000 yuan ($280.76) per month. The 300-square-meter production facility now boasts a daily output of over 100 kilograms.

Leveraging live-streaming promotions, Tongshan has secured stable sales channels for the pancakes across multiple domestic cities and even internationally. This strategic move is expected to boost the village collective income by an estimated 150,000 yuan annually, marking a significant transition from a "farmer's staples" supplier to a mini "economic powerhouse".

In addition to the burgeoning pancake industry, Tongshan village is expanding its commercial horizons. It's facilitating the establishment of a small fixed-wing aircraft manufacturing and low-altitude economy industrial base, as well as the Shandong (Jinan) Medical Environmental Recycling Economy Industrial Park — two key projects poised to further enhance local economic development.

Lyu Jiyun, Party secretary and village committee director of Tongshan, said in the future the village would continue to focus on industrial development and the implementation of projects.

A key emphasis would be placed on promoting local specialties nationwide, aiming to achieve both material prosperity and the fulfillment of villagers — thereby building a beautiful and harmonious rural community. (Edited by Li Weiwei)