Village homes entwined with grape sector

Ning's family now grows about eight varieties, including Kyoho, Shine Muscat and blueberry grapes. The vines produce more than 3,000 kilograms of grapes a year. About two-thirds are sold fresh, while the rest go toward homemade wine, which the family drinks, sells or gifts to relatives and friends.

During the harvest season, some villagers set up stalls at the village entrance, while visitors from nearby counties and cities come to buy the grapes.

"Our grapes are becoming increasingly popular in the surrounding areas," Ning said. "People come here on weekends or holidays to visit the village and buy some grapes."

The changes in Ning's family reflect the broader development of Tuqiaozi's grape industry. What was once a few vines grown around homes for household consumption has gradually become a major source of income for local families.

The village now has around 20 hectares of land under grape cultivation with over a dozen quality varieties grown.

Six cooperatives run by villagers are involved in grape seedling cultivation, standardized planting, as well as fresh-fruit sales and wine processing.

"We still make wine the traditional way, letting it ferment naturally without adding sugar or blending," said villager Yuan Xuezhong. "It takes time, but the result is a clear, smooth wine with a pure fruity aroma. Almost every household makes a few jars for their own use. People really like this homemade taste."

Grapes have also given tourism a boost. An 800-meter-long grapevine corridor shades the village lanes, drawing visitors during the harvest season to pick and taste grapes, enjoy local food and take home fresh fruit and homemade wine. Some families have opened farm restaurants and homestays, turning a grape-picking trip into a full rural experience.

"The grape industry connects planting, picking, processing and tourism," said Yao Weijuan, Party secretary of the village's professional management branch. "It allows more people to benefit from the development of the industry."

Tuqiaozi is home to 538 residents from 123 households. In 2025, the village produced about 150 metric tons of grapes, with the industry helping boost household incomes by more than 10,000 yuan on average.

Local authorities have supported the industry with technical guidance, new varieties and improved cultivation methods, helping farmers improve grape quality and yields. From a few vines in household courtyards to a thriving industry, grapes have transformed not just Tuqiaozi's scenery but the lives of its residents.

Contact the writers at huyumeng@chinadaily.com.cn