Thriving cacti at a cactus plantation in Longyou county, Quzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

The cactus industry in Longyou county, Quzhou, Zhejiang province is experiencing remarkable growth, with Diwei village at its forefront, home to a 50-mu (approximately 3.33 hectares) cactus plantation.

In 2021, the village established the Cactus Industrial Park, which integrates cactus-based medicinal and food research, wellness tourism, and sightseeing.

Freshly squeezed cactus can be made into juice, which, when stir-fried, can serve as a main dish. Cacti can also be used for landscape decoration, grown as potted plants, and utilized as raw material for pharmaceuticals, noted a representative of the industrial park.

The representative highlighted the health benefits of cactus, including lowering high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.

The industrial park boasts an average annual yield of 350,000 kilograms and has developed a series of cactus health products, such as a cactus skin antibacterial solution, cactus meridian health ointment, cactus skin care ointment, and cactus medicinal bath tablets.

In addition, the village has established a cactus-themed park, showcasing over 10 varieties of ornamental cacti for visitors to photograph and enjoy.