Binzhou, a city in East China's Shandong province with 21.9 percent of the total saline-alkali area in the province, has defied the odds and transformed adversity into prosperity.

Embracing the spirit of hard work and determination, Binzhou has turned its saline-alkali land into a treasure trove where success stories are sprouting like never before.

In 2023, Binzhou topped the province in terms of incremental grain sowing area and annual grain processing volume. The city's main grain and food processing industry revenue reached a remarkable 195.2 billion yuan ($27.4 billion), making Binzhou the only prefecture-level city in the nation with an agricultural industry exceeding 100 billion yuan in scale.

In Shuiwan town, Wudi county, Binzhou, the fields are alive with the hum of machinery as farmers work tirelessly to harvest golden corn. [Photo/Dazhong News]

To transform saline-alkali lands into fertile fields, Binzhou has adopted a number of innovative approaches, focusing on breeding superior crops and enhancing soil quality. This approach has unlocked the secret to developing high-efficiency, eco-friendly modern agriculture.

At the core of Binzhou's success lies a commitment to innovation across the entire ecological chain, revamping industrial and supply chains to propel traditional industries towards high-end development.

For instance, in the aluminum industry, Binzhou has expanded into new realms such as recycled aluminum, high-end die-casting, lightweight automotive components, and refined alumina. The city's high-end aluminum industry cluster raked in 361.2 billion yuan in revenue in the first three quarters of this year.

Driven by technological innovation and transformation, Binzhou continues to unveil new products, technologies, and achievements, with strategic emerging industries taking center stage in the city's economic landscape. Through policy guidance and technological innovation, the city is steadfastly steering industries towards green and low-carbon transformation.

The 6th Binzhou Entrepreneurs Conference takes place in Binzhou, Shandong province, on Oct 12, celebrating the remarkable achievements of local enterprises and inspiring entrepreneurs to take on new responsibilities and create a brighter future for the city.  [Photo/Dazhong News]