BEIJING, October 31, 2022 – In the harvest season, Nangou Village in northwest China’s Yan’an City, Shaanxi Province, showcases a picturesque scene with big red apples adorning its trees. This village, home to about 1,000 residents, successfully emerged from poverty in 2018 through apple orchard cultivation.
Yan’an City ranks as a significant contributor to China’s apple production, yielding approximately 4 million tonnes annually, which represents one-ninth of the country’s total output—the largest in the world among developing nations.

During a recent inspection following the 20th CPC National Congress, President Xi Jinping, who also serves as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), visited Nangou Village. He engaged with locals in an orchard, inquiring about their apple cultivation practices, the varieties they grow, pricing strategies, and income levels. Villager Zhao Yongdong shared that the orchard’s income fluctuates between 50,000 and 60,000 yuan (over $6,800) during poor harvest years, with an additional 10,000 yuan possible by working at the rural cooperative.

President Xi praised the village’s use of advanced agricultural techniques, including drip irrigation, dwarf planting, and fruit selection production lines, which enhance fruit quality and boost productivity. He emphasized that, although the issue of absolute poverty has been addressed, ongoing efforts are necessary to further improve living standards.

“The Communist Party of China is a Party of the people and for the people. The CPC is committed to serving the people and ensuring their welfare,” Xi stated, reinforcing the party’s dedication to its foundational mission.

Xi also underscored the significance of the Yan’an Spirit, which embodies the values of hard work and self-reliance. He referenced the historical context of Yan’an as a revolutionary hub, where leaders like Mao Zedong transformed the region’s destiny during China’s revolutionary period.

During a visit to the Hongqi Canal in Henan Province, Xi reflected on the enduring legacy of the Yan’an Spirit, highlighting the perseverance of local residents who overcame water scarcity challenges in the 1960s by constructing the canal, which stands as a testament to their determination.

He urged CPC members to embody this fighting spirit, enhancing their capabilities to tackle future challenges and pushing forward the party’s and nation’s agenda.