Overview of China’s Floriculture and Horticulture Developmen. China’s floriculture and horticulture sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by technological innovation, industrial upgrading, and regional collaboration. The industry is increasingly evolving from a traditional agricultural activity into a high-value, innovation-led sector that supports rural revitalization, employment, and export growth.

1. Yunnan as China’s Core Cut-Flower Production Hub

Yunnan Province has become the backbone of China’s cut-flower industry, accounting for approximately 70% of the country’s total fresh-cut flower output. Supported by an integrated industrial chain covering breeding, high-tech cultivation, processing, logistics, and trading, Yunnan has built a highly efficient and competitive ecosystem.

At the Kunming International Flower Auction Center, transactions are completed on average every four seconds, reflecting the high level of market maturity and operational efficiency. In the first eleven months of 2025, Yunnan’s exports of fresh-cut flowers reached RMB 1.11 billion, representing a year-on-year growth of 64.9%, ranking first nationwide.

2. Technological Innovation as a Key Growth Driver

Technological advancement plays a central role in strengthening industry resilience and competitiveness. Modern intelligent greenhouses equipped with automated climate control systems enable precise regulation of temperature, humidity, and fertigation, significantly reducing dependence on natural weather conditions.

Digital management systems improve production efficiency and quality consistency, enhancing international market acceptance. At the same time, breakthroughs in domestic breeding programs are reducing reliance on foreign patented varieties, strengthening China’s autonomy and innovation capacity in the global floriculture sector.

3. Trade Facilitation and Institutional Support Boost Exports

Customs authorities have introduced tailored facilitation measures for perishable agricultural products, including:

digital customs clearance and online certification,

priority inspection channels for fresh products,

streamlined quarantine and clearance procedures.

These measures have improved customs clearance efficiency by approximately 50%, reduced operational costs, and strengthened the global competitiveness of Chinese flower exporters. Fresh-cut flowers from Yunnan are now exported to markets such as Singapore, Japan, and Russia.

4. Regional Industrial Clusters Supporting Rural Revitalization

Across China, localized flower and horticulture clusters are playing an increasingly important role in rural development:

Dalian, Liaoning Province has developed the country’s largest single-petal jasmine breeding base, generating a cumulative output value of approximately RMB 1.5 billion and creating long-term employment opportunities.

In Yongding, Fujian Province, the Guangzhou–Longyan cooperation project has established a modern flower industrial park focused on high-end varieties such as anthurium and phalaenopsis, integrating advanced greenhouse technology, employment creation, and income growth.

In Qapqal County, Xinjiang, solar greenhouses enable year-round flower production even in winter, stimulating local consumption, tourism, and household income growth.

These initiatives demonstrate how floriculture can effectively combine ecological restoration, industrial upgrading, and rural revitalization.

5. Integration of Education, Innovation, and Cultural Promotion

Universities also play a critical role in advancing the horticulture sector. Events such as the Horticulture Culture Festival organized by Anhui Agricultural University showcase cutting-edge technologies including smart cultivation systems, molecular breeding, and immersive digital applications.

Through exhibitions, interactive experiences, and value-added product displays, horticulture is increasingly integrated with health, food innovation, cultural creativity, and lifestyle consumption. Such initiatives enhance public awareness, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthen talent cultivation for the future of the industry.

Conclusion

China’s floriculture and horticulture industry is transitioning toward a technology-driven, high-value, and globally competitive ecosystem. Supported by innovation, efficient logistics, institutional reform, and regional specialization, the sector is becoming an important engine for rural revitalization, export growth, and sustainable development. The transformation from a “beautiful industry” into a truly “prosperity-generating industry” is steadily taking shape.