A close-up of grapes in Shandong province's Suntuan village that boasts a history of grape plantation for more than three decades. [Photo provided to China Daily]
Tourists flock to Suntuan village as the grapes ripen in vineyards in August. The village in Liaocheng, Shandong province, has a history of grape plantation stretching back more than three decades. Almost all households grow grapes over a total area of 80 hectares, accounting for 91 percent of the village's cultivated land.
"I didn't expect there to be such a large grape base and many people are coming to pick grapes," said Liu Ziqiang, a college student who recently came to the village to enjoy the summer vacation.
Authorities have invited agriculture experts to give villagers professional services, from seedling cultivation to business management. A grape trading market that integrates purchases and sales has been established, following the development path of large-scale planting and brand management.
The village also integrates the traditional grape industry with rural tourism and modern technology to enable villagers to increase their income.
Visitor picks grapes in the village. [Photo provided to China Daily]
