Core Viewpoint - The development of the white lotus industry in Guangchang, Jiangxi, is significantly supported by Postal Savings Bank's financial services, which enhance the vitality and growth of the industry [1][5]. Group 1: Financial Support for Farmers - Postal Savings Bank provides tailored financial products, such as "re-employment guarantee loans," which have enabled farmers like Li Lianyong to expand their operations and improve their income from 80,000 yuan to over 400,000 yuan annually [2][3]. - The bank has issued a total of 360,000 yuan in loans to Li Lianyong over three years, allowing him to increase his planting area to 60 mu and invest in automated equipment [2][3]. Group 2: Industry Chain Extension - Jiangxi Yaolai Agricultural Products Co., Ltd. has developed a full-chain preservation system for fresh lotus, reducing transportation loss rates from 30% to below 5% with the help of Postal Savings Bank's financial support [3]. - The company has expanded its product line to include over ten items, such as fresh lotus seeds and lotus tea, thanks to a 200,000 yuan loan from the bank [3]. Group 3: Promoting Industry Upgrades - Zhichun Food Co., Ltd. has transformed its production capabilities with a 9 million yuan loan from Postal Savings Bank, allowing it to establish an intelligent production line for lotus-based beverages [4]. - The company has achieved a processing capacity of over 10,000 tons of white lotus annually, becoming a benchmark for the transformation and upgrading of the white lotus industry in Guangchang [4][5]. Group 4: Overall Impact on the Industry - Postal Savings Bank has provided nearly 200 million yuan in credit support to the white lotus industry, aligning its financial services with the growth cycle of the industry [5].

Core Insights - The fresh lotus seeds from Yiqian Town, Guangchang County, have the capability to reach supermarkets nationwide within 24 hours, driven by the innovative "fruit lotus" market and advanced nitrogen preservation technology that extends shelf life to 21 days [1][2] - In 2024, the company aims to sell 80,000 kilograms of fruit lotus, achieving a record sales revenue of 18 million yuan in just two months during the summer [1] - Guangchang County is recognized as the largest white lotus research and production center in China, with the latest "Space Lotus No. 66" variety showing a 10% increase in yield and enhanced disease resistance compared to its predecessor [1] Industry Development - Guangchang County is diversifying its lotus industry from traditional dried lotus processing to include flower tourism, fresh lotus picking, and deep processing product development, thereby increasing the added value of lotus products and providing stable employment for local villagers [2][4] - The transition from selling dried lotus seeds at approximately 6,000 yuan per mu to fresh lotus at 8,000 yuan per mu illustrates the economic benefits of industry upgrades for local farmers [2] - The county has over 20 deep processing enterprises, developing more than 150 product varieties, including lotus seed juice and lotus root powder, enhancing the overall value of the lotus industry [4][5] Economic Impact - Guangchang County's lotus industry has a total planting area of over 110,000 mu, producing 9,500 tons of white lotus, with a comprehensive industry output value of 4.34 billion yuan, placing it among the top in the nation [5] - The county's lotus tourism attracted nearly 3 million visitors in 2024, generating over 200 million yuan in revenue from related businesses such as accommodation and dining [5] - The integration of the lotus industry with the mushroom industry has created additional economic opportunities, utilizing lotus waste to produce high-quality mushrooms, thus promoting sustainable agricultural practices [6][7] Technological Advancements - The use of liquid mycelium cultivation methods by local companies has significantly improved production efficiency, reducing the time from inoculation to harvest from six months to just 75 days [7] - Guangchang County's government is actively supporting technological advancements and market expansion for the lotus industry, including the development of specialized equipment and preservation technologies [8] - The online sales of lotus products are projected to exceed 300 million yuan in 2024, accounting for 35% of total sales, indicating a shift towards modern marketing strategies [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the cultural significance and historical background of lotus cultivation in Guangchang, Jiangxi Province, emphasizing its unique identity as the "Lotus Capital" of China and the deep-rooted connection between the local community and lotus flowers [3][4][5]. Summary by Sections Cultural Significance - Guangchang is renowned for its lotus culture, with a history of over 1,300 years in white lotus cultivation, making it a prominent "lotus town" [4][5]. - The phrase "Only Guangchang has the Lotus God" reflects the local pride and cultural confidence in their lotus heritage [3][4]. Historical Background - Historical records indicate that lotus cultivation in Guangchang dates back at least 670 years, with notable events such as the construction of the "Lotus Fragrance Hall" in 1228 [5]. - The region's favorable climate and abundant water resources contribute to the thriving lotus farming [4]. Tourism and Attractions - Guangchang's natural beauty, with a forest coverage rate of 71.83% and excellent air quality, makes it an attractive summer retreat [7]. - The largest village-level white lotus planting area, Yaoxi Village, is home to the "world's largest lotus pond," recognized by Guinness World Records [5]. Festivals and Traditions - The local community celebrates the birthday of lotus flowers on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, marked by the Lotus God Festival, which includes rituals and offerings to express gratitude [8][9]. - The festival features a procession with statues of the Lotus God and various traditional activities, showcasing the community's deep connection to lotus cultivation [9][11]. Culinary Aspects - Guangchang is known for its diverse lotus-related cuisine, including lotus heart tea and various dishes made from lotus seeds and roots [12][13]. - Local specialties such as spoon cakes and potato dumplings reflect the region's culinary richness and cultural identity [17][18][20].