The first greenhouse of the Mount Tai Jiufeng Smart Agricultural Technology Industrial Park in Tai'an has become a hive of activity.

Outside, the biting cold wind contrasted sharply with the warm, spring-like atmosphere within the greenhouse. Rows of tomatoes dangled from the seedlings, resembling intricate miniature lanterns.

As the day began to break, "greenhouse chief" Fang Zehua made his rounds within the greenhouse. Then as the sun's rays started to filter into the greenhouse, he pressed a button, causing the "blanket" of the cooling and shading system on the greenhouse roof to automatically roll up. 

"Here, the tomatoes are nourished with filtered, pure water and grown in a greenhouse that is kept at a constant temperature 24 hours a day," said the head of the industrial park's project department.

Farmers take care of the tomatoes. [Photo/Tai'an Daily]

The optimal temperature for tomato growth is between 17 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius. In warmer weather, the park's new air system provides cooling, while on overcast days, plant growth lights supply additional light to aid the tomatoes in photosynthesis.

The industrial park received a total investment of 1.6 billion yuan ($219.44 million) and a planned area of 253.33 hectares. Since its establishment in September 2024, it has erected seven new column-free large-span sunlight greenhouses. Supported by smart agricultural equipment such as water and fertilizer integrated machines, multifunctional spray mist systems, water source purification machines, agricultural Internet of Things systems, and remote-control terminals, the tomatoes can grow faster and achieve a higher quality.