Farmers pick, sort and pack apples amid a bustling harvest season in Jingning's orchards. [Photo/WeChat account: jningningfabu]

Pingliang, in Northwest Gansu province, lies within the 35°N apple-growing belt, widely recognized as one of China's premier regions for apple cultivation. Its high elevation, abundant sunshine, wide diurnal temperature variation and mineral-rich fertile soil produce apples known for their bright color, balanced sweet-tart flavor, and crisp, juicy texture.

Leveraging its favorable natural conditions, refined orchard management model and advanced digital technologies, the region has upgraded the "Jingning Apple" industry into a key driver of Pingliang's economic development.