STORY: Harvesting "purple dream" at orchard in China's Ningxia
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Nov. 1, 2024
LENGTH: 00:04:13
LOCATION: NINGXIA, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the wine industry
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): JIA JINCAI, Manager of the Public Relations at Yuanshi Winery
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): XI QIANG, Head of Meihe Winery
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): BAUDOUIN HAVAUX, Chairman of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
5. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): JOHN BARKER, Director general of International Organization of Vine and Wine

STORYLINE:

After decades of development, Ningxia has emerged as China's largest wine-producing region. Its wine industry provides 130,000 local jobs and generates about 1.2 billion yuan in income each year.

Ningxia in northwest China is renowned for its unique grape-growing conditions. The region produced its first bottle of wine in 1984. Today it has become China's largest wine-producing region and is gaining prominence on the global stage.

Yuanshi winery is located on what was once a waste quarry pit. Thanks to an ecological restoration and protection campaign led by the local government, coal and other mines were shut down. Now, this area has transformed into a lush landscape and a popular tourist attraction.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): JIA JINCAI, Manager of the Public Relations at Yuanshi Winery
"Currently, our visitors include not only those who self-drive here but also professional tour groups and dedicated wine enthusiasts. Over 60% of our visitors come from outside the region. During the peak "Golden Week" holiday in October, we welcomed around 100,000 visitors, and we expect the total number for the year to reach approximately 450,000. The winery has seen stable marketing performance in the first half of the year. As we enter the peak tourism season in the second half, we observed significant growth in August and September, and we anticipate an overall increase of about 15% this year."

Only with quality grapes can quality wine be produced. In recent years, Meihe Winery has been improving the scientific and refined methods of viticulture through enhanced smart technology and improved agricultural practices.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): XI QIANG, Head of Meihe Winery
"We aim to transform the vineyard into a sustainable, ecological smart data center, using data and modern intelligent monitoring methods to cultivate grapes. For example, we are implementing the smart vineyard system at Meihe Winery. We utilize popular technologies like drone equipped with infrared cameras to conduct rapid analysis or imaging of the grapevines during the growing season. By comparing images captured with infrared light, we can assess the chlorophyll levels in the grape leaves, which indicates their nutritional status. Additionally, through quick statistics on the number of grapes in the field, we can efficiently perform nutritional analysis and count on a macro level."

According to official data, by early August this year, Ningxia was home to 63 wineries that offer tourism services, attracting over 3 million visitors annually. Its wine industry provides 130,000 local jobs and generates about 1.2 billion yuan in income each year.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): BAUDOUIN HAVAUX, Chairman of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
"I remember fifteen years ago, I visited a desert. In a few years, the wine of Ningxia is on an international-level. (Ningxia) wines are very good. You can compare wine from Ningxia with wine from Bordeaux or from Tuscany or from California."

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): JOHN BARKER, Director general of International Organization of Vine and Wine
"Sustainability is one of the most important elements for the wine industry here in Ningxia and around the world. I think it's a responsibility for the producers and it's something that the market is increasingly demanding. I've been very impressed by some of the sustainability initiatives that I've seen here, a real commitment to replanting and greening of the environment, which is extremely positive. I think when we think about sustainability we think about the wider social context as well, and in Ningxia I think one of the important things about the development of the wine is that it is providing jobs and providing economic development."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Ningxia.
(XHTV)