Chongqing — Known for its expansive bamboo forests, Chongqing is modernizing its bamboo industry with advanced processing and innovative applications, fueling both exports and local economic growth.

At Chongqing Ruizhu Plants Fiber Products in Zhongxian County, robotic arms now transform raw bamboo into biodegradable tableware through an 18-step automated process. The company operates 23 smart production lines and exports goods worth nearly 400 million yuan (around $55 million) annually, mainly to Europe and the United States.

Workers process snack foods (bamboo shoots) at Chongqing Xuanrui Food's production facility.

Ruizhu recently led the development of China's national standard for bamboo fiber containers, which came into effect on May 1. With more than 30 national patents and certifications in China, the U.S., and Europe, the company is helping push bamboo into global sustainable packaging markets.

Chongqing’s bamboo coverage spans around three billion square meters, the largest in southwest China. The city is actively participating in the global “Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic” initiative launched by China and the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR), promoting bamboo as a sustainable alternative in tackling plastic pollution and climate change.

In Fengdu County, the Chongqing Academy of Forestry manages a 2-million-square-meter bamboo plantation and has cultivated over 15 improved varieties. These support a year-round supply of bamboo shoots and contribute to rural incomes.

In Nanchuan District, local food company Xuanrui blends passionfruit with Luohan bamboo shoots, creating high-end products that sell at 30% above average prices. Nanchuan’s 30,000-ton annual bamboo shoot capacity supports the development of snack foods, pre-cooked meals, and dietary fiber. A newly installed 3,500-ton liquid nitrogen freezing line helps preserve freshness year-round, tripling off-season prices.

Meanwhile, Zhumaotong Agricultural Technology in Liangping has invested over 20 million yuan ($2.8 million) in automated bamboo powder production. The food-grade powder, now valued at 160,000 yuan ($22,300) per ton, is used in sectors ranging from aerospace to biodegradable packaging.

Workers process snack foods (bamboo shoots) at Chongqing Xuanrui Food's production facility. (Photo/Luo Bichuan)

Liangping’s Baili Bamboo Sea Resort—50 kilometers of scenic forest—attracts more than 3 million visitors annually. The shift from traditional industries to eco-tourism has generated over 1.5 billion yuan ($208 million) in tourism revenue.

The nearby Three Gorges Bamboo Garden, home to over 300 bamboo species, has become a popular destination for educational tourism. Other districts, including Yongchuan, Nanchuan, and Zhongxian, are also investing in bamboo parks and research centers to drive sustainable growth.