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A live streamer sells orchids in Lizhu town, Shaoxing, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Lizhu town in Shaoxing, East China's Zhejiang province has turned the orchid industry into one of its pillar industries by taking advantage of digital technology.

The town, which is located on the foot of Lanzhu Mountain, has a more than 2,500-year history of planting orchids.

"We provide an axenic environment for orchid tissue culture," said Guo Qingqing, a researcher of the Orchid Tissue Culture Center of the Orchid Tower in Lizhu town.

"To put it easily, we have made a block of soil that is able to offer nutrition needed by orchids for half a year," Guo added, while holding a culture bottle containing orchid tissues.

To date, the center has collected gene data of nearly 100 varieties of orchids and over 1,600 bottles of seedlings.

Within three or four years, these orchids will come into the market, said Guo.

The right way to achieve sustainable development of the orchid industry is to make full use of scientific technology, said Qian Jianfa, one of the investors of the center.

Many smart greenhouses have also been built in the town to grow orchids. By using digital technology, farmers can regulate the temperature and moisture in the greenhouse, thus intervening in the florescence of orchids.

E-commerce is another driving force behind Lizhu's strong orchid industry. About 20 orchid traders in Lizhu have turned to e-commerce channels to expand their presence in the orchid market.

"I returned home to sell orchids totally out of willingness," said Ye Quan, who chose to engage in the e-commerce business of orchids after graduation.

"Many orchid enthusiasts have long been plagued by the fact that they are unable to pick their favorite one due to geographical distance, but e-commerce offers a suitable solution," said Ye.

Ye's career decision has been proven right. His online shop's annual sales amounted to more than 1 million yuan ($153,300).