In an exclusive interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Zhang Peixin, a Malaysian of Chinese descent who has made a remarkable impact in Ningxia, China. Her journey began in 2015 when she, alongside her company’s founder, Lin Xiaoren, attended the second China-Arab States Expo in Ningxia as part of a food industry delegation from Malaysia. What was initially an exploratory visit turned into a long-term partnership, solidifying Zhang’s connection with Ningxia.
As we discussed the challenges and opportunities of her work, Zhang highlighted the unique context of Ningxia. Located in northwest China and nourished by the Yellow River, Ningxia is often referred to as “The South of the Frontier.” Despite its natural beauty, the region grapples with significant agricultural issues, particularly soil salinization, affecting nearly 2.5 million acres of arable land. For local farmers, improving salinized land has been a major concern.
However, standing at the base of Helan Mountain, Zhang and Lin discovered potential in what appeared to be barren, salt-covered land. “Our company focuses on the production of spirulina and its value-added products,” Zhang explained. “Spirulina thrives in high temperatures and saline-alkaline environments, which makes Ningxia’s soil ideal for its growth. We also found that the conditions here are perfect for cultivating lion’s mane mushrooms.”
After returning to Malaysia, Lin quickly began preparations to establish a factory in Ningxia. By the end of that year, they invested 400 million RMB to create a new company in Shizuishan, Ningxia, with Zhang appointed as chairwoman. This marked the beginning of her “dream journey” in the western region of China.
Spirulina is known for its high protein content and essential nutrients, making it valuable not just for consumption but also for medical research, feed additives, bioenergy, and environmental protection. Zhang emphasized that finding a suitable location for spirulina cultivation was a crucial step in their development. Upon arrival in Ningxia, she leased over 1,000 acres of saline-alkaline land in Daban District, establishing more than 250 smart climate-controlled greenhouses for spirulina cultivation.
“In this area, we have successfully implemented large-scale artificial farming of spirulina, transforming previously overlooked saline-alkaline soil into fertile grounds for growth,” Zhang said. Today, the flourishing spirulina fields provide jobs for over 300 local villagers, significantly contributing to their income.
As they experienced a successful harvest, the company developed a production facility spanning 6,800 square meters, launching multiple value-added products including spirulina tablets, instant noodles, and lion’s mane mushroom coffee. Their products, initially focused on the Malaysian market, are now exported to 25 countries and regions, including Australia, Bolivia, Hungary, and the Philippines.
Zhang shared her enthusiasm about their expansion. “In Ningxia, we’ve not only tapped into the foreign trade market as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, but we’ve also adapted to the global market, confirming that our investment choice in Ningxia was correct,” she noted. Their business model integrates research and development, cultivation, production, and sales into a cohesive supply chain. Over her nine years in Ningxia, she has experienced a high level of operational efficiency and a supportive local community.
“Here in China, many processes require just one visit to complete, streamlining bureaucratic procedures. For expatriates, work visas have transitioned from annual to tri-annual,” she said. “Living and working in Ningxia has been very comfortable for me. I’ve also developed a fondness for northwest Chinese cuisine and have become a loyal fan of lamb and liangpi.”
Since her initial venture into spirulina cultivation, Zhang has continually been surprised by what Ningxia has to offer. In recent years, she has explored opportunities for integrating Ningxia’s特色农产品 (specialty agricultural products) into her company’s offerings. “Ningxia has vast areas suitable for corn and rice cultivation, which are essential for producing mushroom mycelium. The local goji berries are renowned and can be sourced locally for global distribution. Additionally, Ningxia’s apples are sweet and unique, providing potential for innovative products like apple enzyme drinks and apple-flavored sparkling beverages.”
Many of Zhang’s ideas have materialized into reality; this past May, her company introduced products such as lion’s mane mushroom black coffee and apple sparkling water to the Peruvian market, expanding Ningxia’s international presence.
Moreover, Zhang has opened a product display and experience center in Longquan Village, known as “The First Village Under Helan Mountain.” This center aims to attract tourists and promote the enduring friendships between China and Malaysia.
“I plan to stay in Ningxia, and our company is committed to increasing our investment in China. We wish to leverage China’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative to export our products to even more countries,” Zhang concluded, radiating optimism for the future.
About the author