Panggezhuang town, in Beijing's Daxing district, recently developed a WeChat store for mobile phone users. The store establishes direct connections between farmers and consumers.

Watermelons, peanuts, corn, special drinks and traditional handiwork, or even tickets to local scenic spots, can all be bought on the online shop, which has deals with more than 20 cooperatives and rural households. Consumers can finish the whole shopping process in minutes and have goods delivered within 48 hours. More than 500 kilograms of watermelons have been sold in one week since the platform went into operation on May 21 . Sales amounted to more than 8,000 yuan.

Using the platform to sell local specialties benefits both farmers and consumers, said officials in the town. They believed that it would also upgrade local produce and boost tourism. The town has also plans to use various websites and WeChat platforms as well as discounts to promote its resources.