On August 21, workers at the Changhe Emerald Estate Winery in Yongning County, Yinchuan, located on the eastern foothills of the Helan Mountains, were busy harvesting and loading Chardonnay grapes designated for white wine production. The eastern Helan Mountain wine region has now entered its white grape picking season, with vineyards operating at full capacity during this critical agricultural period.
As of 2025, the region's wine grape cultivation base has expanded to 607,000 mu, accounting for approximately 42% of the national total, making it the largest contiguous wine grape growing area in Ningxia. The region now hosts 261 wineries with an annual wine output of 140 million bottles, representing nearly half of the country's total chateau wine production. This thriving industry continues to generate substantial employment opportunities for surrounding communities.
On the same day, additional harvest activities were observed at the same estate, with workers efficiently collecting Chardonnay grapes both on the ground and as captured in aerial drone footage, showcasing the scale and organization of the seasonal operation.