Daylily processing thrives in Datong. [Photo/Datong Daily]

Datong is harnessing its unique climate to develop specialty agriculture as a key driver of rural vitalization. A standout example is the city's daylily industry, which boasts a rich history spanning over 1,600 years.

Authorities have implemented a standardized production system integrated with an internet of things (IoT) platform, enabling precise monitoring of climate and soil conditions to ensure optimal growth.

This technological advancement has expanded the cultivation area to 260,000 mu (17,333 hectares), yielding 137,500 metric tons annually and significantly boosting farmers' incomes.

The city is also developing processing enterprises, with over 20 daylily factories developing more than 130 products, including daylily beer and ice cream. The total value of the daylily industry exceeded 4 billion yuan ($589 million) in 2025.

Datong has cultivated other products, such as tomatoes, and boasts a 375,000-mu astragalus base, developing 75 astragalus products and exporting them to over 60 countries.

The city has embraced digital and intelligent technologies, launching 159 key technologies, 92 demonstration bases, and 6,572 demonstration entities over the past four years.

Datong's branding strategy, featuring a "public brand + enterprise brand + product brand" matrix, has propelled its agricultural products into more cities, while the launch of its daylily price index and astragalus market index has provided precise guidance for farmers, stabilizing income expectations.

The city is also working to integrate agriculture, culture, and tourism, unveiling an astragalus culture park in Hunyuan county that combines exhibitions, production, wellness, and tourism.