Harvested crabapples in Dashizhai town, Horqin Right Wing Front Banner. [Photo/Grassland Cloud]

In the vast orchards of Dashizhai town, Horqin Right Wing Front Banner, Hinggan League, the scent of ripe crabapples fills the air as farmers busily pick the red fruit, painting a lively scene of autumn harvest.

With ample sunshine, distinct seasons, and stark day-night temperature differences, the banner offers ideal conditions for sugar accumulation in crabapples. Centered in E'erti and Dashizhai towns, the planting area has expanded to 105,500 mu (7,033.33 hectares), with 45,000 mu in peak production. Dashizhai alone produces 10 million kilograms annually, generating an estimated 15 million yuan ($2.09 million) in income this year.

Farmers are busy harvesting crabapples in the fields. [Photo/Grassland Cloud]

To boost added value, the banner has extended its industrial chain, developing dried crabapples, preserves, and beverages. The "orchard + tourism" model, featuring flower-viewing in spring and fruit-picking in autumn, has also spurred agritourism and broadened income channels.

Today, over 6,000 farming households benefit directly from the thriving crabapple industry. Once overlooked, this small fruit has become both a reliable source of income and a driver of rural vitalization.

Farmers wear a big smile as the crabapples harvest. [Photo/Grassland Cloud]

The vast crabapple orchards in Horqin Right Wing Front Banner. [Photo/Grassland Cloud]