Houzhen town, a renowned grape planting based in Weifang, Shandong province, has paved its way to prosperity by growing off-season grapes.

Houzhen town has more than 30 years of grape planting history. [Photo/Dazhong News]

Houzhen has more than 30 years of grape planting history and the grape planting area has reached nearly 10,000 mu (about 667 hectares). In 2020, the "Houzhen Grape" was awarded as a national famous, special and excellent agricultural product, which greatly stimulates the development of the local grape industry.

In order to ensure the continuous supply and high quality of grapes throughout the year, Houzhen has established the "Winter Grape Alliance" to further promote the development of the winter grape industry and improve the quality and added value of winter grapes.

The off-season grapes can put up prices during the winter. [Photo/Dazhong News]

"Using the advanced Shouguang winter greenhouse planting technology, we have cultivated and planted late maturing grapes. The winter grapes have filled the gap in the market," said He Tao, director of the Houzhen winter grape promotion office.

He said that compared with seasonal grapes, the price of late maturing grapes also increases several-fold, with considerable profits.