In the height of summer, a visit to Shufang Village in Guanzhuang Town, Qingchuan County, Guangyuan City reveals a lush landscape of over 1,000 mu (approximately 66 hectares) of forest-based Coptis chinensis plantations, with seedlings thriving. Meanwhile, on the hillside farmyards, neatly arranged beehives emit the sweet fragrance of golden, translucent raw honey. This small village, once rich in natural beauty yet struggling to find a path for industrial development, is now embodying a rural revitalization story of "enduring hardship in the mountains to bring sweetness out."

The Coptis chinensis plantation base, alongside the bee farming operation, forms the core of this transformation. Located in high-altitude forested areas above 1,400 meters, Shufang Village's unique natural conditions provide an ideal environment for Coptis chinensis growth. "Coptis chinensis prefers shade and needs an environment above 900 meters altitude. Our soil, texture, humidity, and altitude are all suitable for its growth," explained Lei Gang, Secretary of the Village Party Branch and Director of the Village Committee. The change began in 2023. After the Sichuan Daily Newspaper Group established targeted assistance for Shufang Village, they organized village leaders and wealthy pioneers to visit major Coptis-producing areas like Pengzhou for study and inspection, successfully introducing over 10 large-scale farmers for demonstration planting. "In the past, the village lacked ideas and technology. We had beautiful mountains and waters but couldn't find a way to monetize them," said Zhao Yinghui, a member of the Sichuan Daily Newspaper Group team stationed in Shufang Village.

Currently, Shufang Village's Coptis chinensis planting scale has reached over 2,000 mu. "In recent years, one mu of Coptis chinensis can sell for 60,000 to 70,000 yuan," Lei Gang noted, highlighting that the industry has brought tangible benefits to villagers. Residents can earn daily wages for tasks like planting, irrigation, and weeding, and "working near home over the year can bring a considerable income." Beyond the "bitterness" of Coptis chinensis, Shufang Village also offers a "sweetness"—bee farming. Among the over 200 households in the village, nearly 100 raise bees. "The annual income from this is also substantial," Lei Gang said. Local beekeepers adhere to a practice of not forcing, not feeding, and not harvesting early, allowing bees to slowly produce raw honey from wildflowers in the mountains.

This small village holds a significant narrative: both sweetness and bitterness shine. Shufang Village has transformed idle forestland into a "green treasure trove" for income generation and wealth. "Next, Shufang Village will connect with China National Pharmaceutical Group to establish a stable, long-term production and sales chain, addressing concerns about sales channels," Zhao Yinghui stated.