Xiaozhai Cherry Culture Festival in Ludian County, Zhaotong

The Ludian Xiaozhai Cherry Culture Tourism Festival (鲁甸小寨樱桃文化旅游节) was founded in 2006. After years of dedication, the festival has become a stunning emblem of the city’s pastoral ecological leisure tourism. The brand image of “Ludian Cherry” and “Xiaozhai Cherry” (鲁甸樱桃) has gained recognition beyond the borders of Ludian.

Ludian County and Its Famous Xiaozhai Cherries

Ludian County (鲁甸县), located in the northeastern part of Yunnan Province, is renowned for its unique cherries, particularly the Xiaozhai cherry. With a cultivation history of over 300 years, Xiaozhai cherries boast an annual production of more than 300,000 kilograms. The cherry blossoms are white with a faint red hue, and the fruit resembles a pear-like shape. The cherries are red, juicy, with plenty of flesh, small stones, and a sweet flavor. These cherries are well-loved in regions such as Zhaotong, Kunming, Sichuan, and other parts of China.

From mid-April to May each year, the river valley banks of Xiaozhai (小寨乡) are filled with vibrant red cherries. Visitors can not only enjoy the picturesque cherry-filled scenery but also explore the cherry gardens themselves. During the rainy season, Xiaozhai’s cherries ripen, becoming round, red, and shiny. The taste is a delightful balance of sweet and sour, making it an irresistible fruit both in appearance and flavor.

The Significance of Cherries

In their natural state, cherries are considered the first fruits to bring deliciousness to the world, earning the title of “the first branch of fresh fruit in the world” (天下鲜果第一枝). The appeal of cherries lies not only in their taste but also in their aesthetic beauty and nutritional richness. Scientific studies have shown that cherries are beneficial for enhancing beauty, making them particularly popular among women. Cherries mature earlier than most fruits, offering an early taste of the harvest and contributing to overall health.

Throughout history, cherries have been celebrated by countless scholars in poems and paintings. During the cherry ripening season, folklore traditions involve celebrating the cherry festival with offerings to the gods. People dress in colorful attire, singing and dancing to mark the occasion. Visiting the cherry forests provides an opportunity to taste fresh fruit and enjoy the beautiful scenery, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

Festival Origin

The Cherry Culture Tourism Festival serves as a way for Ludian to preserve ancient traditions while embracing modern developments. Xiaozhai has established a 10-kilometer cherry corridor along the river, a 10-kilometer vegetable corridor, and a 10-kilometer green ornamental corridor.

The inaugural Cherry Culture Tourism Festival is held annually in Ludian, attracting nearly 10,000 tourists who come to pick cherries. The County Cultural Square hosts a grand literary show titled “The Feast of Spring,” featuring performances by famous singers such as Jiang Dawei (蒋大为), Yang Hongji (杨洪基), and Li Danyang (李丹阳). Since its inception, the annual festival has drawn large crowds to Ludian for fresh fruit, local snacks, and an authentic farmer culture experience. Xiaozhai Cherry has become the most distinctive and influential cultural tourism and industrial symbol of Ludian.

Purpose of the Festival

The Cherry Culture Tourism Festival is organized to showcase Ludian’s positive momentum in economic and social development, the vibrant spirit of all ethnic groups, and the unique charm of the cherry culture tourism industry. The festival aims to create a “Cultural Ludian” and promote the prosperity and development of Ludian’s tourism industry. During the festival, various activities such as “Ludian under the Lens” and “Red Cherry Carnival Night” (红樱桃狂欢夜) are held to celebrate the local culture and engage visitors.

Translated By Baima Quzong/白玛曲宗