On January 27, upon visiting Liancheng County Fenghai Bamboo & Wood Co., Ltd., it was noted that the expansion project for the bamboo refined processing digital production line (Phase III) has successfully completed the construction of Plants 1 and 2, along with the installation of essential core equipment. Preparations are now underway to commence the construction of Plant 3. Once this initiative, aimed at substituting bamboo for plastic, is fully operational, the company's production capacity will be doubled, leading to an anticipated annual increase in output value exceeding 550 million RMB.

     A solitary stalk of green bamboo requires five years to reach maturity. In Liancheng, Fujian, a region renowned for its expansive 639,400 acres of bamboo forests, an enchanting legend of "transforming bamboo into gold" is coming to life. Through meticulous craftsmanship in local workshops and a fragrant presence in global markets, Liancheng is revitalizing its bamboo industry with a comprehensive, whole-industry-chain strategy. This approach is not only fostering long-term ecological preservation but also enriching the lives of local residents. It enables the once humble bamboo to undergo an extraordinary metamorphosis—evolving from a mere resource into a thriving industry, from simple products into recognizable brands, and from ecological sustainability into prosperity for the community.

Advanced Processing: Young Bamboo Transforms into 'Hardcore' Products

   In Pengkou Town, located in Liancheng County, the bamboo industry showcases its "advanced processing magic" on a daily basis. Within the bustling workshop, the rhythmic roar of machinery fills the air as each bamboo stalk undergoes a meticulous transformation through over ten intricate processes, including drying, splining, carbonization, and glue immersion. This careful treatment strips away the green outer layer, yielding flat and resilient outdoor decking materials. Recognized as a national high-tech enterprise, the company specializes in light carbon and deep carbon product lines, which encompass a range of urban furniture such as outdoor boardwalks, railings, and wall panels. Its influence extends across the expansive terrain of China, from Xinjiang to Fujian, and even reaches international shores, penetrating the European market. With an impressive annual production capacity of 300,000 square meters and a remarkable output value of approximately 35 million yuan, the company is redefining the potential of traditional bamboo through innovative craftsmanship.

    Fenghai is thriving with even greater energy and activity. Within the workshops of Phase I and Phase II, workers adeptly inspect, roast, trim, and polish bamboo strips, transforming them into stunning pet houses and functional gardening products. The new factory of the Phase III project particularly shines under the sunlight, where five state-of-the-art CNC production lines are being swiftly installed. These lines are set to manufacture premium bamboo home products and eco-friendly packaging materials that boast high added value. "Phase III is dedicated to replacing plastic with bamboo. Once operational, our production capacity will double, generating an annual added output value exceeding 550 million RMB," shared Executive Vice President Xiang Chuanfeng, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

  The intricate processing methods employed in Liancheng also embody the ecological principle of 'whole bamboo utilization.' At Jinlong Agroforestry Economic Development Co., Ltd. in Gutian Town, the atmosphere is lively and industrious as workers diligently operate the heavy bamboo board production line. "Every component of the moso bamboo holds value, and our goal is to maximize its use," stated company chairman Wu Shugui. Bamboo shavings, once deemed waste, have been transformed into a valuable resource for new heating equipment through innovative technology. This advancement not only minimizes sulfur emissions but also leads to annual savings of approximately 300,000 RMB in fuel costs.

    Liancheng County is proactively steering bamboo and wood enterprises towards the implementation of technological transformation and upgrading initiatives. The county aims to phase out outdated production capacities, incorporate advanced equipment and processes, and promote energy conservation and consumption reduction, all while enhancing operational efficiency. This strategic approach is designed to elevate the bamboo industry into a highly efficient and sustainable green sector. By 2025, the county is expected to host 52 bamboo and shoot processing enterprises, including five provincial leading firms, resulting in a total output value of 3.507 billion RMB for the bamboo industry. Furthermore, young bamboo has truly become a cornerstone of a robust industry.

Innovation Going Global: Breaking Barriers and Venturing Worldwide

    Innovation is the secret to the everlasting prosperity of the Liancheng bamboo industry, and even more so, it is the confidence behind its venture into the international market.

    Zhujian New Materials has consistently upheld the principle of "relentless innovation," resulting in the achievement of nine national invention patents and six utility model patents. Their innovative reconstituted bamboo material not only preserves the inherent beauty of bamboo but also boasts remarkable weather resistance, effectively overcoming the challenges posed by traditional wood, which is often susceptible to deformation and decay. "Our goal is to transform five-year-old bamboo into 'millennium timber,' truly realizing the concept of 'replacing trees with bamboo,'" stated General Manager Yang Mingjie, whose vision for research and development is both clear and determined.

   In response to the challenges posed by the international tariff war, Fenghai has carved out an innovative path focused on "quality and research & development." On one hand, the company has transformed standard anti-corrosion coatings into eco-friendly alternatives, significantly extending their lifespan from one year to three. On the other hand, Fenghai has established a dedicated professional team to thoroughly explore the European market, engaging in comprehensive market research and targeted R&D efforts. This initiative has led to the launch of over 3,000 market-ready products, successfully broadening its market presence from the United States to more than 20 countries around the globe. Currently, the company boasts 113 intellectual property patents, including eight for inventions. By collaborating with universities and research institutions to leverage technological advancements, Fenghai is consistently developing innovative products such as bamboo-wood and bamboo substitutes, thereby continually enhancing its core competitiveness.

    The targeted support provided by the Liancheng government has significantly fueled innovation within enterprises. The county has established a mechanism for industrial technology research and development led by businesses, created dedicated funds for technological innovation, and consolidated science and technology project funding from various levels of government. These resources are specifically allocated to reward enterprises for their technological transformation, the development of new products, and the application of new technologies. With this robust policy backing, leading enterprises in bamboo and wood processing have made substantial advancements in research, development, and production technologies related to heavy bamboo, bamboo substitutes, and bamboo charcoal carvings, resulting in a remarkable increase in efficiency. Today, Liancheng's bamboo products are exported to over 20 countries, including those in Europe, America, Japan, and South Korea, generating annual export revenues in the hundreds of millions of yuan and solidifying their presence in the international market.

Ecological common prosperity: Bamboo forest becomes a 'green bank'

  The thriving bamboo industry is a significant boon for the residents living in Liancheng. The expansive bamboo forests serve not only as the county's "ambassadors of ecological beauty" but also as a "green bank" that enhances the income of local forest farmers.

   Beneath the verdant canopy of the bamboo forest in Yudi Village, located in Laiyuan Township, the villagers are actively engaged in harvesting fresh winter bamboo shoots. These seasonal delights are not only culinary treasures but also valuable commodities that contribute significantly to their income. "This year, the weather has been exceptionally favorable, leading to a bountiful harvest of winter bamboo shoots. The price can soar to 25 RMB per catty, and a ton of moso bamboo can fetch as much as 750 RMB—far better than in previous years!" exclaimed villager Chen Qinghe, his face radiating joy.

   Laiyuan Township boasts an extensive forest land area exceeding 393,000 acres, complemented by over 116,000 acres of bamboo forest. With an impressive forest coverage rate of 93.2%, the township produces an annual yield of 12,000 tons of bamboo shoots, contributing to a total output of approximately 62,000 tons. In its commitment to sustainable development, the township has actively implemented the "one, two, three" industrial strategy. This initiative includes the establishment of a high-yield bamboo forest demonstration plot, the enhancement of bamboo mountain roads, the construction of sprinkler irrigation reservoirs, and the improvement of six kilometers of forest fire prevention demonstration roads. These efforts have significantly reduced production and transportation costs for farmers, fostering a mutually beneficial scenario that enhances the village collective economy while simultaneously increasing farmers' incomes.

  In the expansive 200-acre bamboo forest demonstration site located in Fengdi Village, Quxi Township, a lush landscape unfolds, teeming with vibrant greenery. Forestry station technicians navigate through the grove, offering guidance to workers as they engage in ditch fertilization activities. This area has successfully transitioned from extensive management practices to precise cultivation techniques. Standardized procedures—including weeding, targeted fertilization, judicious bamboo harvesting, and the protection and maintenance of bamboo shoots—encompass the entire growth cycle of the bamboo. Furthermore, the optimization of the bamboo forest structure and enhancements to road infrastructure have facilitated a transformation in the production and management of moso bamboo, shifting towards large-scale, base-oriented, and intensive practices. As a result, production efficiency has seen a remarkable improvement.

   The emergence of the understory economy has transformed "bamboo gold" from a mere concept into a tangible reality. In Gekou Village, located in Juxi Town, beneath the lush bamboo canopy of Fengshan Family Farm, the clematis leaves flourish abundantly, their robust rhizomes thriving, while the intricate, reticulated veins of the brown leaves resemble "golden threads." "By nurturing seedlings in greenhouses during the winter and then transplanting them to mimic wild growth in the spring, we have significantly enhanced both their survival rates and medicinal value," remarked Luo Weiyuan, the farm's manager, with a smile. He noted that, thanks to advancements in planting technology, high-quality dried clematis can now fetch between 8,000 and 12,000 yuan per kilogram, resulting in an impressive annual net income exceeding one million yuan. Currently, the forestry department is providing both technical and financial assistance, guiding forest farmers in exploring innovative models such as the cultivation of dendrobium officinale, the growing of Chinese medicinal herbs, and understory breeding. Additionally, they have established 15 key demonstration bases. By 2025, the county's understory economic operating area is projected to expand to 1.8271 million mu, generating an output value of 5.279 billion RMB.

   As of now, the bamboo industry in the county has successfully empowered 18,000 individuals to boost their incomes. Furthermore, the third phase of the Fenghai bamboo and wood industry project is set to create over 300 new job opportunities upon its launch. Increasingly, residents of Liancheng are enjoying "ecological rice," and in their efforts to safeguard the lush landscapes, they are reaping substantial rewards, akin to "golden mountains and silver mountains."

  A solitary bamboo stalk intertwines the threads of industrial advancement, technological innovation, and the enhancement of people's livelihoods. Looking ahead, as more intelligent production lines are adopted, innovative products continue to emerge, and diverse under-forest economic models are promoted, Liancheng's bamboo industry is destined to flourish steadily along the path of high-quality development. This vibrant shade of green will undoubtedly serve as the most brilliant backdrop for rural revitalization.