An Orchid Empire Blooms in the Sichuan Hinterlands

Liao arrived in Xichang in 2023, drawn by climate conditions and improving logistics. Her company now manages a sophisticated operation that produces over 8 million seedlings annually across 100 self-developed varieties, including cattleya and dendrobium. The firm’s flagship creation, the "dream fragrance" mini oncidium, has successfully breached international markets with its signature cream-like scent.

Beyond the research labs, the plantation serves as a vital economic engine for over 80 local women. For employees like Daxi Aji and Ma Xinglan, the shift from traditional manual labor to specialized horticulture provides both financial stability and autonomy. While language barriers occasionally arise between the Taiwanese management and the local Yi and Hui workers, the team has found common ground in mastering the complex technical demands of orchid care. Looking forward, Liao intends to scale her operations in alignment with the mainland’s 15th Five-Year Plan, betting that independent breeding will secure her venture's long-term competitive edge.