Chinese Bayberry Gardens in Shiping County, Honghe
Overview
The Eco Bayberry Gardens (生态杨梅园) in Shiping County (石屏县) are predominantly located around the provincial scenic spots Yilong Lake (异龙湖) and Chiru Lake (赤瑞湖), with about 80% of the gardens found in these areas. Visiting the bayberry gardens for picking and tasting is extremely convenient, with numerous gardens spread around, complementing the many historical sites along the “Two Lakes” region, creating a delightful experience that lingers in the memory.
Seasonal Experience
Throughout the bayberry ripening season, the streets and alleys of Shiping County fill with vehicles and visitors from afar. The gardens are bustling with people, laughter, and joy. Under the deep green bayberry trees, visitors pick the fruit while savoring its deliciousness, fully immersing themselves in the beautiful scenery and natural environment by Yilong Lake, forgetting the time spent there. This vibrant atmosphere lasts for over a month.
Local saying: “石屏杨梅红满天，酸甜可口味道鲜，八方宾客小城聚，石屏五月胜过年。”
Translation: “The bayberries of Shiping are abundant, sweet and sour, attracting guests from all directions; May in Shiping surpasses the New Year.”
Characteristics of Shiping Bayberry
Shiping Bayberry (石屏杨梅) is a specialty of Shiping County, Yunnan Province (云南省石屏县), recognized as a national agricultural product geographic indication.
- Harvest Time: Bayberries can be picked from mid-April, which is 40 to 60 days earlier than in Zhejiang (浙江) and Fujian (福建), and over 20 days earlier than in Fumin County (富民县) in Yunnan Province.
- Quality Assessment: Experts from the Ministry of Agriculture of China have assessed Shiping Bayberries as high quality, with a high sugar content, rich in various vitamins, and characterized by large fruit, small seeds, vibrant color, juicy texture, balanced sweet and sour flavor, pleasant aroma, early maturity, and high nutritional value.
- Geographical Indication: Approved for registration protection on December 24, 2010, by the Ministry of Agriculture (农业部).
Product Characteristics
External Appearance
Shiping Bayberries are medium-sized, with an irregular round or flattened spherical shape. On average, each fruit weighs about 10 grams, with the heaviest reaching 16 grams. The skin is dark purplish-red, slightly convex at the top, flat at the bottom, with distinct seams and a small stem. The flesh is tender, moderately sweet and sour, red or light red inside, juicy, aromatic, and has small seeds.
Internal Quality
Shiping Bayberries have a high sugar content, rich nutritional value, and early maturity. They contain:
- Soluble solids ≥ 10.5%
- Total sugar ≥ 9.5%
- Titration acid ≥ 0.7%
Nutritional content per 100 grams includes:
- Water: 83.4–92.0 grams
- Calories: 28 kcal
- Protein: 0.8 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5.7 grams
- Dietary fiber: 1 gram
- Vitamin C: 9 mg
- Potassium: 149 mg
- And other vitamins and minerals.
Medicinal Value
- Meridian: Enters the lung and stomach meridians.
- Functions: Quenches thirst, harmonizes the stomach, aids digestion, treats thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal pain, and helps with detoxification.
Environmental Conditions
Topography
The soil types in Shiping County are primarily rice soil, alluvial soil, red clay, mountain red soil, sandy loam, and sheep liver stone soil. The terrain is characterized by higher elevations in the northwest and lower in the southeast, with significant vertical differences. The region has numerous mountains, clear rivers, and lush landscapes, with mountainous areas accounting for 95% of the total land area.
Hydrology
Shiping County is situated between the Red River (红河) and Zhujiang River (珠江) watersheds, boasting 35 rivers and abundant clean water resources without industrial pollution. The main river, the Red River, runs through the county, and it is home to two natural lakes: Yilong Lake and Chiru Lake.
Climate
Shiping County has a subtropical mountain climate with significant vertical differences. The average annual temperature is 18.2°C, with the hottest month (July) averaging 27.7°C and the coldest month (January) averaging 9.1°C. The area receives 850 to 1100 mm of rainfall annually, primarily from May to October.
Historical Background
Shiping is one of the main regions in China where wild bayberries grow, rich in resources with four discovered wild varieties. Bayberries have been consumed by local ethnic groups for centuries, with mentions in historical texts dating back to the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China.
Production Status
In 2010, the bayberry cultivation area in Shiping reached 6,666.7 hectares, making it the largest county in Yunnan for both area and production. By 2017, the total area had increased to 128,300 acres, with around 100 enterprises involved in bayberry production and marketing.
Product Honors
- In 2002, Shiping County was recognized as a quality base for bayberry cultivation by the Ministry of Agriculture.
- On December 24, 2010, the Ministry of Agriculture approved the geographical indication registration for “Shiping Bayberry.”
How to Get There
- By Public Transport: Buses run regularly from major cities in Yunnan to Shiping County.
- By Car: Easily accessible by highway; ample parking available at bayberry gardens.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Late April to June is ideal for bayberry picking.
- Experience Local Culture: Engage with local farmers and learn about bayberry cultivation.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring water, as it can get warm during the day.
- Photography: Capture the vibrant colors of the bayberry gardens and the stunning landscapes.
- Respect Local Customs: Be courteous to local farmers and fellow visitors while enjoying the gardens.
