Locals viewing imported stock at a "Taobao Village" in Xingguo county. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Yet, local officials there are also making some progress through a surprising avenue: online shopping.

Historically, many farmers in the county couldn't even use a computer, let alone afford one. But, since early 2015, Taobao service stations have been helping sell local produce online, to reach a much larger consumer base.

According to officials, that has led to locals selling - and buying - goods worth a total of 72 million yuan, since the service stations were constructed.

"This business model can not only solve the problem of local farmers not being able to sell outside of the county … it also attracts many migrant workers to come back home to start their own business," Guo Qingfeng, from Yudu county's business development bureau, told reporters.