Zhang Shunyong, a farmer from Di'er village in Luobie township of Liupanshui city in Southwest China's Guizhou province is a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC). He has transformed his community through beekeeping and agricultural innovation, expanding pathways toward prosperity and making his fellow villagers' lives "as sweet as honey".

After graduating from university in 2005, Zhang spent several years working in the cities of Dongguan and Shenzhen in South China's Guangdong province. In 2010, he established an electronics factory in Shenzhen, which unfortunately closed down five years later, leaving him with a debt of over 100,000 yuan ($13,817).

Refusing to succumb to difficulties, Zhang returned to his hometown, and stumbled into beekeeping business by chance, seeing an opportunity to sell local honey at a good price.

Through innovative practices like using scrap wood for beehives and attracting bees with beeswax on rocks, Zhang not only repaid his debt but also purchased a car. Currently, he manages over 1,800 hives of local rock bees, with an annual income of more than 3 million yuan.

Coupled with his personal success, Zhang remains committed to helping his community thrive. He has provided training and guidance to villagers like Zhang Yu, who now earns up to 160,000 yuan annually from beekeeping.

Zhang Shunyong inspects the breeding and nectar intake of bees. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Beyond beekeeping, Zhang realized the potential for cultivating medicinal herbs in his hometown. After extensive research and market analysis, he established an agricultural development company in 2019, focusing on beekeeping and medicinal herb planting. His efforts have resulted in over 700 mu (46.67 hectares) of medicinal herb cultivation, providing more than 3,000 job opportunities every year.

Zhang was elected as a deputy to the NPC in 2023. As a grassroots lawmaker, Zhang actively participated in inspections and research trips organized by the NPC and the local people's congresses, gaining a better understanding of public needs and concerns.

"Being an NPC deputy is more than an honor, it represents a statutory duty, a heavy responsibility," Zhang said, adding that he always keeps in mind the mission of serving the people and setting an example by leading the way.

Zhang Shunyong (left) explains the cultivation of medicinal herbs to his fellow worker in the field. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

At the first session of the 14th NPC in 2023, Zhang put forward a suggestion on increasing funding for the construction of high-standard farmland, which was adopted by relevant departments and incorporated into national policies. The central and provincial financial subsidies for high-standard farmland have since increased from the original 1,500 yuan per mu to 2,530 yuan.

Zhang said he would focus on the voices of the people at the grassroots level in his future duty performance, addressing their concerns in employment, healthcare, elderly care, education and other pressing issues.

Zhang Shunyong (center), a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), speaks at a group meeting of the Guizhou delegation at the second session of the 14th NPC in March 2024. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Zhang Shunyong (second L) talks with teachers and students from the University of Science and Technology of China at the agricultural industry workstation. [Photo provided to npc.gov.cn]

Tian Shengping and Li Xiaojian contributed to this story.