China's Heroic City Faces Modern-Day Challenges

HARBIN, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Nestled in the fertile black soil of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Shangzhi City is navigating a transformative journey towards sustainable growth, emerging from its tumultuous history. In this locale, where the echoes of past struggles resonate, the city is championing agricultural advancements, particularly in the cultivation of red raspberries.

At a tranquil memorial park within the city, sunlight gently filters through the foliage, illuminating a space laden with the weight of historical sacrifice. A meandering stone path guides visitors to the site commemorating Zhao Yiman, a celebrated war heroine, who was captured after sustaining injuries during a clash with Japanese invaders nearly 90 years ago.

Zhao Yiman stands as a symbol of resilience in northeast China's fight against Japanese aggression. Her capture in 1935 was marked by cruel torture, yet she resisted divulging any information to her captors. She faced execution at the young age of 31 in 1936, leaving behind poignant words to her son that emphasized pride in her sacrifice for the nation.

In Shangzhi, the tales of heroes such as Zhao Yiman and Zhao Shangzhi, another key figure in the resistance against Japanese forces, have ingrained themselves into the fabric of the community, shaping its identity.

From these historical narratives of hardship and courage, Shangzhi is now witnessing a remarkable revitalization, transforming its once war-torn landscape into a flourishing hub for red raspberry production. This region, characterized by its clean environment and significant diurnal temperature variations, has become increasingly favorable for berry agriculture.

Currently, berry farming, specifically the cultivation of red raspberries and blackcurrants, spearheads Shangzhi's rural development efforts, marking a contemporary 'battle' for prosperity. With around 3,000 hectares dedicated to berry plantations, the city has forged a comprehensive industrial chain that encompasses every stage from seedling production to quick-freezing and marketing.

The cultivation of berries spans all 17 townships in Shangzhi City, yielding an impressive annual output value of approximately 500 million yuan, about 69.8 million U.S. dollars. According to Zhang Chenghai, deputy director of the city’s agriculture and rural affairs bureau, the city exports around 70 percent of its raspberries and blackcurrants to international markets, including those in Russia, Brazil, the EU, and North America.

Investment in raspberry production is also gaining traction at the community level. For instance, Chengxi Village has dedicated over 7 million yuan to its 1,500-mu raspberry production base, yielding 80 tonnes in 2024 and generating 800,000 yuan in revenue while providing jobs for more than 100 local residents.

Innovation through technology is invigorating this sector. The term "Shangzhi Red Raspberry" is now protected under national geographic indication, as local processing enterprises are starting to create higher-value products, including anthocyanin extract and not-from-concentrate (NFC) juice.

Zan Qinglin, a prominent official in Chengxi Village, shared plans to seek business partnerships aimed at upgrading production lines, increasing output, and expanding the industrial chain, positioning the raspberry industry as a pivotal element in rural development.

This evolution from a revolutionary stronghold to a center for red raspberry cultivation speaks to the essence of Shangzhi. The heroes of the past continue to inspire the streets, parks, and educational institutions, intertwining the city’s resilient history with its aspirations for a brighter future.

In this unique landscape of Shangzhi, the stillness of memorials and the industrious buzz of berry farms are not at odds but rather harmonize in an enduring story. This narrative encapsulates quiet resilience, deeply rooted in the rich black soil that nourishes both memory and the vibrant, sunlit fruit.