Furry angora rabbits bring rural county out of poverty

Journalists take photos of angora rabbits at Xinhui Angora Rabbits Farm in Baijian village, Laishui county, in North China’s Hebei province. [Photo by Kou Jiaxiang provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

My life has improved a lot since I worked in the rabbit farm," said 48-year-old Zhang Xiaocui, a native of Baijian village, Laishui county, Hebei province, "I used to be a housewife, but now I can make some money."

Zhang smiles proudly. She has been employed in Xinhui Angora Rabbits Farm since April, 2014 when the farm was founded. The founding was a part of the poverty relief project carried out in Laishui, a national poverty-stricken county.

Though bordering Beijing, Laishui has long been underdeveloped as it is tucked away in a mountainous area, far away from trunk roads and tourist spots. The specialized fund earmarked by the central government provides a golden opportunity for its development.

"I got a monthly salary of 1,800 yuan," said Zhang, who works at the farm every day, raising rabbits and cutting rabbit hair.