The “Explore Guangdong: Embracing Rural Charm” event, held from July 3–4, offered media and international students a firsthand look at Nansha’s agricultural innovation and rural revitalization efforts. The event highlighted how technology and tradition are merging to reshape farming and rural life in this part of Guangzhou.
At the Great Bay Area Agri-Valley Aquaponics Smart Lab in Mingzhu Agricultural Park, visitors witnessed the role of AI, IoT, and big data in modern aquaculture. These technologies enable precise monitoring and optimization of fish farming, from automated feeding to disease detection, all managed through touch-controlled systems. Influencer Guozi Aerial View remarked on the sophistication of the technology, noting its potential to revolutionize fish farming.
Beyond high-tech aquaculture, the Happy Farming project demonstrated how urban residents can engage with agriculture through rented garden plots. Participants can remotely monitor their crops and livestock, such as “cloud chickens,” via an app, with plans to introduce automated irrigation and fertilization. This initiative reflects a growing trend of urban agriculture, where technology bridges the gap between city dwellers and farming.
Mingzhu Park itself has evolved into a multifunctional hub, blending agri-tech, leisure, and enterprise. The park features misting greenhouses, blueberry farms, and over 100 varieties of tropical fruits, offering visitors a taste of agricultural diversity. International students sampled fresh produce like melons, guavas, and lotus seeds, with some encountering rare delicacies like finger limes for the first time. The park also serves as an educational center, hosting thousands of visitors daily and providing agricultural tours for students from Hong Kong and Macao.
Nansha’s efforts align with its designation as a National Agricultural Opening-up and Cooperation Pilot Zone, a title awarded in 2023. The park exemplifies the integration of agriculture, culture, education, and tourism, showcasing a model for rural revitalization. This approach not only boosts local agriculture but also fosters economic growth and cultural exchange.
The delegation also visited Guangdong Siwun Logistics Equipment Co., Ltd. in Dagang Town, where smart conveyors are enhancing parcel-sorting efficiency by 30%. This technology underscores the town’s growing manufacturing capabilities, supporting major e-commerce players and reflecting broader trends in automation and logistics. Dagang’s economic ambitions are clear, with industrial output targets set at ¥13 billion for 2025 and ¥20 billion by 2027, backed by significant investments in high-standard factory space.
The implications of these developments are far-reaching. For Nansha, the integration of technology and agriculture is creating new opportunities for sustainable growth and rural development. For visitors and participants, these initiatives offer a glimpse into the future of farming, where innovation and tradition coexist. As Nansha continues to build on its agricultural and economic strengths, it sets an example for how rural areas can thrive in an increasingly digital world.