Xizang grows apples on its vast pebble beaches

However, the company is already taking steps to reduce its future reliance on any workers, who are likely to become more expensive due to an aging population.

"In Shandong province where I used to work, many skilled workers are over 60," he said.

He has planted a small patch of an apple tree variety commonly used in countries with high labor costs. It features a flat, fan-shaped crown, making it well-suited for mechanized harvesting and trimming, thereby reducing the necessity for manual labor.

Additionally, he is conducting research on the use of chemicals to thin fruit and flowers, further decreasing the labor required.

"These are the future of farming. While we still have workers now, what about tomorrow?" he pondered.