In Qionghai, Hainan, a pioneering project that merges aerospace technology with traditional farming is beginning to bear fruit.

On a farm in Wanquan Town, 27 extraordinary Shanyou (a local camellia variety) seedlings are thriving. Their story began in October 2024, when 200 grams of premium local seeds were launched into orbit aboard the Shijian-19 satellite for space-breeding experiments. Following their return to Earth and 15 months of painstaking germination and care, these saplings have reached waist-height, and exhibit exceptional pest resistance and strong growth potential.

Space-bred Hainan Shanyou plants show strong growth following successful cosmic mutation experiments.

Wu Gui, a director at Hainan Shenglu Tropical Crops Development, manages the experimental plot. He explains that the team anticipates a three-to-five-year period of field observation and selection to isolate a new variety optimized for Hainan’s climate with superior oil yields, which will effectively boost the industry's scientific value and market competitiveness.

Wu Gui and his colleague prune Shanyou saplings cultivated from seeds that have been on a space flight.

Beyond cultivation, the local Shanyou supply chain is also rapidly increasing in value. A local modern processing facility with a 1,000-ton annual capacity has recently been completed, with production slated to begin at year-end. The company has already pivoted from selling raw agricultural goods to high-end deep processing, launching products like "Shanyou Hydrosol" — a drinkable extract that has found success in premium markets. Thanks to close proximity to the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, the company is collaborating with medical institutions to explore "food as medicine" applications and specialized clinical nutrition.

Workers sort through a fresh harvest of Shanyou seeds at a local collection center.

This technological leap is also revitalizing the local community. A 115-acre local camellia base has evolved into a modern agricultural demonstration park. To scale production while safeguarding rural livelihoods, the company provides free seedlings and technical support to nearby farmers, supported by guaranteed buy-back agreements. This collaboration model has already boosted incomes for over 100 local households, creating a "win-win" for both ecological conservation and economic growth.

Technicians operate extraction machinery at the camellia oil processing facility.

Local authorities are providing substantial backing for the expansion of the industry. Data from the Qionghai Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department indicates that the city has invested over 68 million yuan ($9.45 million) in the camellia sector. Qionghai now manages 12 standardized production sites which stretch over more than 4,942 acres. Aerospace technology is injecting powerful new momentum into the region's traditional agricultural landscape.

(Photos by Wang Zihao / Hainan Daily)