A fair focusing on the courtyard economy (the business of farmers supplying local products and services from their yards) took place on Feb 5 in Du'an Yao autonomous county, Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. Residents from seven towns brought their agricultural products to sell at the fair to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival.

The seven towns are Jingsheng, Baiwang, Lalie, Laren, Jiagui, Jiudu, and Longwan, which have a combined population of 168,000, accounting for 23.1 percent of the county's total population. They were able to develop a cluster of distinct local products such as camellia oil, silkworms, mushrooms, soybeans, pomelos, and cattle due to their abundant produce and other resources.

"The beef sold at the fair is cheaper than the market rate, and the quality of the beef is also very good," said Wei Zhenheng, a villager from Jingsheng town, after buying 200 yuan ($28.6) worth of beef for 80 yuan per kilogram.

Since 2022, these towns have viewed the high-quality development of the courtyard economy as an effective means to promote local employment, entrepreneurship, and the development of rural industries.

A villager from Du'an Yao autonomous county displays eco-products at the fair. [Photo/Hechi Daily]