Kaiyang advances ecological development, green economy

Kaiyang county has strengthened ecological development through afforestation, forest quality improvement, and ecological restoration, promoting green, low-carbon high-quality growth.

The county has implemented three major projects: ecological greening, ecological conservation, and ecological wealth generation. Measures include tending middle-aged and young forests, restoring degraded forests, and establishing mixed plantations to optimize forest species, structure, and age composition. These efforts are designed to enhance carbon sequestration and water conservation.

Kaiyang has developed an integrated modern tourism industry combining forest tourism, wellness, agricultural experiences, and hot springs. Key sites include Nanjiang Grand Canyon, Shili Hualang Scenic Area, Yunshan Tea Sea, and Hou'er Tiankeng Scenic Area. The county now hosts 15 understory planting bases, eight understory breeding bases, two forest wellness bases, three forest wellness households, one national forest wellness base, and one provincial forest wellness base.

The county is leveraging its 152,180 mu (10,145 hectares) of forest land and 57.25 percent forest coverage rate to develop an understory economy. At Gangzhai State-owned Forest Farm in Gaozhai township, Guizhou Qiancang Chinese Medicinal Materials Co has leased 2,000 mu for cultivating medicinal herbs including Coptis, Polygonatum, Panax japonicus, and Epimedium, in collaboration with Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Kaiyang is promoting the integration of natural scenery and tourism to boost rural vitalization. Nanjiang Grand Canyon offers rock climbing, rafting, hiking, and other activities without damaging the natural environment. The county provides selenium-themed experiences including picking, dietary supplements, tours, wellness, and shopping, attracting summer tourists from the cities of Chongqing and Chengdu.

A farmer feeds chickens on the farmland. [Photo/WeChat account of Kaiyang county]