Core Insights - The recent popularity of ornamental corn, referred to as "文玩玉米," has surged among young consumers, becoming a new social trend on platforms like Xiaohongshu [1][3] - Sales of ornamental corn on the Dingdong platform increased by 300% within a week of its launch, making it the top-selling item in the flowers and plants category [1][3] - The market for ornamental corn features a wide price range, from a few yuan to over ten thousand yuan, depending on the quality and processing of the product [1][7] Market Dynamics - Ornamental corn is a specially bred variety that is not suitable for consumption, requiring processing to ensure longevity and preservation [3] - The product's appeal lies in its aesthetic qualities and versatility, attracting young consumers who appreciate its visual appeal and potential for decorative use [5][7] - The pricing structure varies significantly, with raw varieties priced at a few yuan, semi-finished products ranging from tens to hundreds of yuan, and unique pieces reaching thousands of yuan [7][9] Consumer Behavior - Consumers are advised to approach ornamental corn as a personal preference item rather than a traditional collectible, as it lacks the cultural depth and craftsmanship associated with traditional art forms [3][9] - The market is characterized by a trend of impulsive buying, with some consumers drawn to the product for its visual appeal and stress-relief properties [5][7] - Experts caution against speculative buying, highlighting that the rarity of high-quality pieces does not equate to long-term value retention, as the product is an annual crop rather than a unique collectible [9]

Group 1 - The rise of "play corn" has led to some corn selling for thousands of yuan each, attracting both young consumers and rural farmers [3][4][5] - The fresh corn industry in Guangdong has seen rapid growth, with the annual planting area reaching approximately 700,000 acres and the national planting area exceeding 25 million acres [17][18] - The fresh corn industry faces challenges such as insufficient genetic resource exploration, tightening production resources, and increased natural disasters and pests [19] Group 2 - The national agricultural technology promotion center has released scientific fertilization guidelines for tea trees to enhance production quality and efficiency [11][12][13] - Yunfu City has made significant progress in its "zero waste city" initiative, completing 28 construction indicators and 54 system construction tasks ahead of schedule [30][32]

Core Viewpoint - The rise of "Wenwan corn" has transformed a common crop into a high-value product, attracting both young consumers and rural farmers, but the associated risks and challenges must be approached with caution [9][10]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - "Wenwan corn" has gained popularity due to its unique aesthetic appeal and the emotional satisfaction it provides during handling, leading to significant online engagement with 120 million views and 590,000 discussion posts [12]. - The income potential for rural areas is substantial, with "Wenwan corn" generating 20,000 to 30,000 yuan per acre, which is three times the income from traditional corn farming [15]. Group 2: Production Challenges - The production of "Wenwan corn" is not guaranteed to be profitable, as it requires high-quality appearance rather than yield, with only a 50% qualification rate for output per acre and a mere 0.5% for high-quality products [24][25]. - The cost of high-quality seeds can reach 500 yuan each, indicating significant upfront investment and labor costs [26]. Group 3: Market Risks - There is a risk of market oversaturation as many farmers may follow the trend, potentially leading to a significant price drop if supply exceeds demand [27]. - The lack of standardized quality grading in the industry can result in price discrepancies of up to ten thousand times, which can harm consumers and hinder long-term industry development [28]. Group 4: Recommendations for Sustainability - To ensure the longevity of "Wenwan corn," farmers should avoid blindly following trends and focus on mastering cultivation techniques to improve product quality [29]. - Establishing a clear quality grading system and standardizing pricing and processing can enhance consumer trust and stabilize the market [30]. - Expanding the product line to include derivatives like corn accessories can open new markets and reduce reliance on finished product sales [31]. Group 5: Conclusion - The emergence of "Wenwan corn" illustrates that ordinary agricultural products can achieve high value by identifying the right market niche, contributing to rural revitalization [35].

Core Insights - The traditional hobby of "Wenwan" is experiencing a revival among younger generations, who are redefining it with innovative and creative approaches [1][2][24] - Young people are moving away from traditional materials and aesthetics, favoring colorful and modern interpretations of Wenwan, such as "Dopamine Bodhi bracelets" and "Wenwan corn" [1][5][21] Group 1: New Trends in Wenwan - The "Dopamine Bodhi bracelet," made from acrylic and glass in vibrant colors, can sell for three times the price of traditional wooden bracelets, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences [2][16] - "Wenwan corn," specially cultivated corn with unique appearances, can fetch prices as high as 100,000 yuan on platforms like Xianyu, indicating a strong market demand [5][11][18] - Young consumers are also engaging with "Lego Wenwan," where Lego pieces are creatively assembled into traditional shapes, showcasing a blend of modern play and traditional culture [1][15][20] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The production of "Dopamine Bodhi bracelets" has become a lucrative business, with factories operating around the clock to meet high demand, achieving monthly sales of nearly 10 million yuan [16][17] - The "Wenwan corn" market has established a standardized supply chain, with specialized breeding and cultivation practices leading to significant price premiums for high-quality products [17][18] - The emergence of blind box products and DIY kits related to Wenwan indicates a growing trend towards experiential and collectible items among younger consumers [20][21] Group 3: Cultural Shifts - The younger generation's engagement with Wenwan reflects a desire for personal expression rather than adherence to traditional values, as they seek to redefine what constitutes cultural significance [24][25] - Traditional elements are still present in new forms, such as the incorporation of Buddhist motifs in Lego designs, demonstrating a continuity of cultural heritage despite modern adaptations [25]