Green innovation takes root in Longkou's countryside

In Qijia town, Longkou city, East China's Shandong province, the integration of agriculture, solar power, and tourism is paving the way for a groundbreaking rural development project.

Solar panels bask in the sunlight, transforming once-abandoned land atop the hills into a vibrant scene of progress. The project, which includes 100 mu (6.67 hectares) of greenhouse and solar panel-based cultivation, is advancing rapidly.

In Qijia town, Longkou city, East China's Shandong province, rows of solar panels bask in the sunlight. [Photo by Xie Hongyu for chinadaily.com.cn]

As one of 13 national comprehensive rural reform pilot areas, Longkou is seizing this project opportunity. The city is focusing on four key areas: wealth-generating industries, grassroots governance, talent cultivation, and digital rural development. These initiatives aim to achieve high-quality economic and social development, effectively creating a new trajectory for growth.

Eleven natural villages, once obscure and remote, are now embracing multiple new rural development goals, including ecological tourism and beautification. These villages are making huge strides, experiencing rapid and transformative development.

Meanwhile, in several villages, construction is progressing steadily with coordinated efforts and accelerated work on landscaping and infrastructure.

In the future, leveraging the Huadian Agricultural Solar Tourism Integration Project, Longkou hopes to become a model of rural reform, balancing economic, social, and ecological benefits. (Edited by Chen Mengyun)