Beijing's Miyun district abuzz about bees

Beijing's Miyun district is helping residents lead a healthier, wealthier life through a sweet industry — beekeeping.

Liu Jinliang, a bee farmer in the district, is the second generation of the beekeeping industry there. His father is an experienced bee farmer who has raised the insects for more than 30 years. 

"Raising bees has helped my family to have a much better life with more money," Liu said. "Advanced technology has helped us double our output compared with traditional methods."

Liu said his family produced 10 tons of honey in 2020, for an income of 380,000 yuan ($58,882), twice as much as the previous year. 

Jiang Xuefu, head of the United Front Work Department of the district, said Miyun plans to integrate the tourism, agriculture and health industries to extend the industrial chain and increase farmers' income this year. 

Miyun includes the largest beekeeping area in Beijing, with 2,072 bee farmers tending 115,000 colonies, which account for 44 percent of the city's total, according to the local government. Jiang said the district will add another 5,000 colonies this year. 

"The good natural environment and various plants in Miyun provide enough food and living space for bees, which is the reason the area can produce high-quality honey," he said. "Beekeeping has contributed to the development of animal diversity, which has improved the local environment."