In Zhuanglang County, Pingliang City, the apple industry is not just thriving—it’s transformative. To understand its impact, one need only look at Wanquan Town, a “billion-yuan town” where apples have become the backbone of local prosperity.

Upon entering Wanquan, visitors are greeted by terraced orchards stretching across hillsides, modern houses lining the roads, and luxury cars parked in alleys—a testament to the town’s economic success. “Wanquan has been a pioneer in Zhuanglang’s apple industry, driving growth for years,” said Liu Bingqiang, the town’s Party secretary. Recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture as a “national rural specialty industry town with over 1 billion yuan output” in 2021, Wanquan reaffirmed this status in 2022.

With 39,500 mu of arable land, 97% (37,800 mu) is dedicated to orchards. At an average yield of 3 tons per mu and a price of 4 yuan per jin, the apple industry alone generates over 900 million yuan annually. Factoring in value-added processing, the total exceeds 1 billion yuan.

Wanquan’s success stems from its natural advantages and entrepreneurial spirit. Located in a transitional zone between semi-humid and semi-arid climates, the town’s gentle slopes and river valleys provide ideal conditions for apple cultivation. “The terrain ensures ample sunlight, nutrient retention, and vibrant fruit coloration,” explained Guo Xiang, the town’s deputy Party secretary.

In the 1990s, facing land scarcity and low crop profits, Wanquan shifted to apple farming—a decision that paid off handsomely. Today, orchards blanket the town, fueling rapid economic growth.

The prosperity has also inspired neighboring areas. “My cousin, who once worked far from home, now grows apples and often seeks my advice,” said Shao Taiyi, an orchardist from Shaoping Village. “In Zhuanglang, apples are a reliable path to wealth.”

From humble beginnings, Zhuanglang has emerged as a top-tier apple producer. The county now boasts 650,000 mu of orchards, yielding 762,000 tons in 2024. Its apples are sold nationwide and exported to over a dozen countries, with total industry value hitting 5.5 billion yuan.

To sustain growth, Zhuanglang focuses on quality, branding, and innovation. “We’re transitioning to intensive, standardized farming and expanding storage and marketing networks,” said Liu Jun, head of the county’s fruit station. The “Zhuanglang Apple” trademark and geographical indication further enhance its market appeal, solidifying its reputation as “China’s premier terraced eco-apple county.”

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