Flowers are in full bloom at the Shanghai Yedufang farm in Nanyang town, Qidong. [Photo/WeChat account: qdrmt0513]

In Anping village, Nanyang town, Qidong, the Shanghai Yedufang Flower Farm is flourishing on its expansive 160-mu (10.7-hectare) flower base. Varieties like bellflowers and butterfly peonies are currently in full bloom.

Expressing enthusiasm for the venture, the company's owner, Zhu Chaoyan, said that the farm primarily caters to the markets in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, with the Shanghai market accounting for 30 percent of total sales. Zhu chose Qidong for the flower base due to its strategic location. "The proximity to Nantong Airport and Shanghai Airport, coupled with convenient logistics, ensures the freshness of our flowers for distribution nationwide," Zhu explained.

Since entering Anping village in March 2019, the company has not only brought in rental income from land leasing but has also generated numerous job opportunities for the local community. Sun Dandan, Party secretary of Anping, said that tasks such as flower-picking and packaging at the base can be done by older villagers.