"Ningcheng apples take 3 to 4 days to deliver," one farmer explained. "Our apples are grown without pesticides—sweet and crisp." Recently, Ningcheng County in Chifeng City launched an online livestream sales campaign titled "Ningcheng Apple Harvest Season: I Endorse Ningcheng Apples." Over 20 influencers became "brand ambassadors," visiting local orchards to showcase the "Ningcheng Ningguo" brand, apple quality, and eco-friendly growing environment to a national audience. Viewers enthusiastically commented, "We can almost smell the fragrance through the screen!"
"I’ve heard great things about Ningcheng apples, and they lived up to expectations—crisp and sweet," said Ms. Zhang, a customer from Beijing, after placing an order during the livestream on October 25. The three-day campaign sold 200,000 jin (100 metric tons) of apples, generating sales of 672,000 yuan. This success highlights Ningcheng County’s thriving fruit industry.
In recent years, Ningcheng has prioritized its fruit industry as a key driver of rural prosperity. By leveraging policy support, technology, and branding, the county has expanded sales channels and transformed the sector from fragmented and small-scale to large-scale and high-quality, turning orchard yields into tangible income for farmers.
To reach broader markets, Ningcheng has strengthened its brand. After earning national geographical indication certification for "Ningcheng Apples," the county standardized management and packaging, established an apple museum, and hosted six annual apple festivals. Participation in trade fairs and livestream promotions has boosted the "Ningcheng Ningguo" brand’s reputation and competitiveness, expanding sales to regions like Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and the Yangtze River Delta.
Ningcheng’s hilly terrain, limited arable land, and favorable climate make it ideal for fruit cultivation. The county has strategically planned orchard layouts: Mengfu apples in shallow mountain areas, Nanguo pears and Xinpinghong apples in hilly regions, Hanhong pears on slopes, and hawthorns in secondary forest zones. Policies have evolved from development guidelines to targeted incentives, addressing industry bottlenecks and fostering large-scale cultivation.
Today, Ningcheng boasts 250,000 mu (16,667 hectares) of orchards, producing 168,000 tons of fruit annually with an output value of 820 million yuan. The industry employs 98,000 people, increasing per capita income by 5,600 yuan.
Technology plays a pivotal role. Green Development Agricultural Technology Co. introduced eco-enzyme farming, enhancing soil vitality and apple quality. Collaborations with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Shenyang Agricultural University have established virus-free nurseries and a three-tier breeding system. The cold-resistant "Mengfu Apple" and frost-tolerant "Xinpinghong" are standout varieties.
Through county-wide technical support and research teams, Ningcheng ensures scientific orchard management and premium fruit quality. From policy-driven greening to tech-enhanced quality and brand-led market expansion, Ningcheng’s fruit industry exemplifies the harmonious blend of ecological and economic benefits.