Li Jimin checks the growth of color peppers in his greenhouse. [Photo by Cao Nengxingxin]

Dongzhenguan is a village in Shouguang City, east China's Shandong Province. With no access to main transportation lines, it lived on growing vegetables, an economic crop which, however, yielded poor economic returns. Many in the village couldn't even afford basic food.

Today, however, Dongzhenguan has gained fame in growing color peppers which are sold like hot cakes not only in China but also abroad. The annual output reaches 23,000 tonnes and the village's output value exceeds 160 million yuan.

Seeing the lucrative business, many young villagers who worked in cities and towns have returned to start their own businesses. In a village of less than 600 households, 56% of vegetable growers are young people. They play a critical role in the village's economic development.

Color pepper greenhouses

In late April, Dongzhenguan Village is still in early spring. However, the greenhouses is already in summer, with the room temperature exceeding 30℃. Color pepper vines climb up the strings. Ripening peppers range in different degrees of color, from red to yellow, but most of them are turning from dark brown to bright red. In half a month, fresh color peppers will be ready for market.