The total output value of the bio-industry in Lijiang reached 9.44 billion yuan ($1.57 billion) in 2013, increasing 14.28 percent year-on-year.

Through industrial restructuring, rational planning and policy support, the Lijiang government promotes the rapid growth of the plateau bio-industry, including the planting of maca, traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, prickle kernel, spirulina, blueberries and flowers.

The Lijiang government focuses on planning, base construction, project packing, investment invitation, product development, market development, brand cultivation and service provisions.

As of 2013, Lijiang has planted 56,655 hectares of Chinese traditional medicine materials, 13,354 hectares of maca, 12,140 hectares of prickle kernel, 16,187 hectares of flowers and 10,926 hectares of snow peach. The Lijiang bio-industry achieved investments on fixed assets of 255 million yuan, 25 percent more than the previous year. It also saw sales income reach 4.06 billion yuan and foreign exchange earnings reach 54.45 million yuan.

In 2013, the production of maca reached 10,000 tons, with output value reaching more than 1 billion yuan. The growth of the maca industry has helped develop the agricultural industrialization of the area, which has an altitude of more than 2,800 meters. It has also increased the income of the poor population to 3,500 yuan.

The growth of snow peaches, mangos, prickle kernels, blueberries, flowers and olives helps improve the ecological environment, advancing water and soil conservation as well as harnessing the barren hills.

The bio-industry has so far attracted bid investments for 24 projects, achieving investments totaling 7.38 billion yuan, or roughly 15.7 percent of the total bid investment in Lijiang. There are 14 projects that are currently under construction.