At Nangqen County's Baizha Salt Field, Daqing Wangzha and his team celebrated a milestone—their newly launched red salt toothpaste sold 30,000 units in just two hours during its livestream debut. This success far exceeded expectations for the young entrepreneurs behind Qingnan Red Salt (Nangqen) Modern Agriculture & Animal Husbandry Technology Co., Ltd.
The toothpaste marks the company’s eighth product since its founding. Months of meticulous development, regulatory approvals, and production efforts culminated in this validation. "The market’s recognition is our greatest reward," said Wangzha, 28, who grew up near the famed Nage Salt Field in Nangqen, a Tibetan autonomous prefecture by the Lancang River.
Nangqen’s red salt is unique to Qinghai Province, formed by mineral-rich springs tinged with local red clay—a natural process distinct from drilled brine wells common elsewhere. This rarity fuels its commercial potential.
Wangzha’s journey wasn’t straightforward. After returning from university in Chongqing in 2018, he dabbled in courier services and street vending before seizing an opportunity in 2021 to revitalize his village’s dormant "Qingnan Red Salt" brand. Today, his 50-member team markets eight products—from foot-soaking salts to therapeutic heat packs—on major e-commerce platforms.
Village collectives hold a 59% stake in the venture, benefiting directly from its growth. Dividends surged from 324,000 yuan in 2023 to 420,000 yuan this year, boosted by exposure from the popular farming reality show *Zhongdi Ba 3*.
Now, Wangzha eyes collaborations with influencers like Dongfang Zhenxuan and Ant Group to share Nangqen’s red salt—and its folklore. Local legends speak of a celestial maiden whose yak uncovered salt springs, or macaques leading herders to brine. These tales, Wangzha believes, infuse each grain with cultural resonance.
"For us, this isn’t just business," he reflects. "It’s about honoring the Lancang River’s gifts." With plans to expand Nangqen’s culinary and wellness offerings, Wangzha’s vision is clear: bringing highland flavors to the world.
The journey has only just begun.
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