China's Largest Miao Population County Thrives Economically through Ecological Initiatives

Chongqing - Pengshui Miao-Tujia Autonomous County in Southwest China's Chongqing aims to establish a Western China-influenced ecological green product supply base, as announced in a press conference on December 25.

Along the lower reaches of the Wujiang River, Pengshui Miao-Tujia Autonomous County is rich in ethnic customs. The lands are home to breathtaking mountains, rivers, and valleys, allowing people to enjoy nature to the fullest amongst the ecological beauty.

Pengshui has been focusing on creating an ecological security barrier and developing an ecological industrial system. This system includes ecological agriculture, industry, and tourism, as stated by Chen Qingsong, Deputy Secretary of the Pengshui County Committee of the CPC and Mayor of Pengshui County.

These ecological initiatives have led to significant economic growth. In the first three quarters of 2023, the county's GDP reached 21.64 billion yuan (USD about 3.03 billion), marking an 8.3% increase. This growth rate is the highest among districts and counties in Chongqing.

Pengshui attracts domestic and international tourists with its rich Miao culture. (Photo/Pengshui County)

Chongqing's largest hydropower energy project 

Pengshui County has been expanding its ecological industry and green products. The focus is developing industrial clusters in areas like clean energy, health food, specialty light industry, and ethnic medicine.

From January to November, the county achieved an industrial output value of 5.08 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.3%. More than 80% of this output is attributed to ecological industries.

One notable project is integrating wind, water, and gas storage in clean energy bases. The Pengshui hydropower station in Wujiang River, with a capacity of 1.75 million kilowatts, achieved an annual output value of 1.32 billion yuan. It stands as the largest hydropower energy project in Chongqing.

Furthermore, Pengshui is expanding ecological policy support to attract more high-quality projects. This includes collaborations with large state-owned and central enterprises like China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd. Since 2021, the county has signed 38 ecological projects, planning a total investment of 19.68 billion yuan.

Staff dealt with crystal silk potato powder in Pengshui County, Chongqing. (Photo/Pengshui County)

World's largest Miao-style architectural complex

Pengshui is Chongqing's only Miao autonomous county, and it has the largest Miao population in China. The county has been enhancing its ecological tourism industry to showcase its rich cultural heritage.

A major initiative includes the development of the world's largest Miao-style architectural complex. This complex aims to highlight the distinct Miao culture, featuring attractions such as a Miao art museum and a traditional medicine museum.

The county's diverse tourism offerings have drawn a significant number of domestic and international visitors, including from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Currently, Pengshui hosts over 1.5 million tourists annually.

Pengshui has also been expanding its cultural and tourism-related industries. By introducing the Junmiao Mountain Ethnic Medicine Industry Co., Ltd., this company has launched a production line for Miao medicine, with an annual output value of 120 million yuan. Their products are now sold in nine regions, including Beijing and Shanghai.