Chinese tomatoes planted in Cuijiaji town have a rich and sweet flavor. [Photo/Dazhong News]

Cuijiaji town in Pingdu, Shandong's Qingdao is renowned as the hometown of Chinese tomatoes, with a century-long history of tomato cultivation. The characteristic local tomato industry has helped boost rural vitalization in the area.

As a distinctive agricultural product of Pingdu, Cuijiaji tomatoes have in recent years become increasingly well-known. They were selected as the fourth Qingdao famous regional agricultural public brand, becoming the 20th nationally-protected geographical indication agricultural product in Pingdu, and have been awarded the title of National Famous and Excellent New Agricultural Product. The number of online sales of tomatoes from Cuijiaji ranks among the top 10 in the country.

Cuijiaji town in Pingdu, Shandong's Qingdao is renowned as the hometown of Chinese tomatoes. [Photo/Dazhong News]

Lyu Ning, an official of the Pingdu Agricultural and Rural Bureau, said that Cuijiaji town has a total of over 4,500 greenhouse facilities for tomato cultivation, covering an area of over 20,000 mu (1,333.33 hectares) and achieving an annual sales revenue of more than 1 billion yuan ($138.9 million), increasing the annual income of villagers by over 600 million yuan. The products sell well at home and abroad, helping local farmers increase their incomes and realize rural vitalization.

Cuijiaji town has a total of over 4,500 greenhouse facilities for tomato cultivation, covering an area of over 20,000 mu. [Photo/Dazhong News]