By Qian Ding, CCTV.com editor

Nowadays, we like to talk about big companies, big money in China, and how China's economy is booming. But not everyone is on board. There are millions of small businesses, which also need attention. Yinchuan, a city in the northwest of China, is hosting China-Arab States Expo on Sept. 6-9.

As one of the front-runners in trading with countries in Middle East, Yinchuan has witnessed enormous changes in the region, more skyscrapers, wider roads, faster trains, and more flight routes. But what do small businesses look like in this developing city? Let's take a closer look.  

A man who repairs shoes on street. (Photo/ Wang Yabo)

Two girls help their family sell fruit. Many people here prefer to buy fruit and vegetables from local farmers' trucks, since they are considered to be cheaper and fresher than products in super markets. （Photo/Wang Yabo）

A man who repairs bicycles. Not like big cities, Yinchuan people still ride bicycles a lot, it's still common to see bicycle repair men along the roads. (Photo/ Wang Yabo)

A man who is selling home-grown corn and tomatoes on street. (Photo/ Wang Yabo)

Watermelon truck on street. (Photo/ Wang Yabo)

Small restaurant along the road. (Photo/ Wang Yabo)

Yinchuan, which is dubbed "River Side City in the Northwest”, is the capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. Yinchuan means "silver river" in Chinese. It enjoys beautiful natural scenery and favorable conditions for agriculture.

Yinchuan

The city now is the permanent site for China-Arab Expo which is an international platform for economic and cultural exchanges between China and Arab countries. It serves as the business bridge between China and Arab states.

dingqian1@staff.cntv.cn

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