In a recent interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Wu Suying, a driven Gen Z beekeeper from Dongquan Town in Liucheng County, Guangxi. Nestled under the trees in her village, over a hundred bee boxes stood, buzzing with activity. Dressed in a beekeeping suit, Wu Suying expertly opened one of the boxes to reveal frames dripping with honey.
Born in 2001 into a family of beekeepers, Wu Suying has been surrounded by honey since her childhood. “I’ve grown up on honey,” she shared. To produce high-quality honey, her family frequently relocates their bee boxes to follow the blooming seasons across different regions, including Guangdong, Hainan, and Jilin. This upbringing allowed Wu Suying to master the intricacies of beekeeping, establishing herself as the fourth generation in her family to carry on this tradition.
Wu explained, “In southern China, we mostly focus on flower nectar, which has a rich aroma and a pure taste. Our specialty is the medicinal flower honey harvested in winter.” When discussing her unique beekeeping techniques, she highlighted the use of natural plants like dandelions and Chinese neem to mitigate pests in the hives.
In 2021, Wu Suying enrolled at Beijing University of Science and Technology in Tianjin. She brought her family’s honey to campus, and after her roommate praised its delightful flavor, she decided to showcase her honey at a school entrepreneurship fair. To her surprise, it sold out each night, boosting her confidence in her beekeeping venture.
In her spare time, Wu Suying launched an online platform for her honey business, utilizing social media for live broadcasts where she teaches beekeeping techniques. Her passion resonated with viewers, leading to over 5,000 new followers in just two months.
With the guidance of her instructors, Wu formed a team with 14 fellow students to participate in the 2024 “Challenge Cup” Tianjin College Student Entrepreneurship Competition. Their efforts helped local beekeepers sell over 20,000 pounds of honey, generating more than 800 orders worth over a million yuan and directly creating 10 jobs, with an additional 200 jobs created indirectly.
On her journey as a budding beekeeper, Wu Suying actively seeks knowledge from seasoned professionals. In 2023, she became a member of the Chinese Beekeeping Association and has successfully obtained trademarks, business licenses, and food operation permits for her honey. She is currently pursuing a patent for her pest control techniques.
Looking ahead, Wu Suying expressed her aspirations: “I plan to apply for a position under the ‘Three Supports and One Assistance’ program, focusing on agricultural and rural development. I want to continue developing my sweet beekeeping business.” As a senior in college, her dedication to her craft and her vision for the future are truly inspiring.
