Money grows on trees for bonsai farmers in Jiangsu

Now, Wang earns between 1.5 to 2 million yuan every year. "Growing bonsai trees is like drawing. It's an art," he says.

The younger generation is also joining the trade.

Liu Xiaofei, 35, started his bonsai business in 2007. "My parents grew bonsai trees when I was little, so I developed an interest at an early age.

"Big trees have a limited number of buyers. They take longer to grow and have a higher price," he says. "So I decided to make miniature bonsai trees, which are easier to grow and therefore cost less. Moreover, small ones are more convenient to carry."

Last year, his company sold about 200,000 miniature bonsai trees. He is also creating ways of selling the trees through livestreams and developing a phone app to connect farmers and buyers across the country.

The bonsai trees have also brought tourists to the community in recent years. Last year, the Guzhuang community gained over 250 million yuan from tourism.

"You're not rich enough if you earn 1 million yuan. A rich farmer in Guzhuang has the aim of earning at least 10 million," says Zhu Songhui, Party chief of the community. "The bonsai tree is a cash cow for us, and we'll work harder to lead a better life."