Ten Thousand Mu Pomegrante in Mengzi City, Honghe
Overview
The Ten Thousand Mu Pomegranate Garden蒙自市万亩石榴园 is located along the Kunhe Economic Belt in Mengzi City, Yunnan. With a history of over 700 years in pomegranate cultivation, this garden has significantly flourished due to government support and tourism development. It has expanded to 65,000 acres, making it the largest pomegranate-growing area in China, yielding over 60,000 tons of pomegranates annually, which accounts for one-third of the nation’s total output. The economic contribution approaches 200 million yuan, greatly enhancing the local agricultural and rural economy.
Economic Impact
By 2000, the garden had received nearly 500,000 visitors, generating total tourism revenue of 16.5 million yuan. It was recognized as the first agricultural eco-tourism project in Yunnan in 1996. The garden also won one of 82 awards at the 1999 Kunming World Horticultural Exposition.
Pomegranate Characteristics
Mengzi Xinan Suo Sweet Pomegranate
This variety, believed to have been introduced from Iran and Afghanistan, is unique to Xinan Suo Town, located 7.5 kilometers from Mengzi’s county seat. It is known for its large size, thick flesh, small seeds, juicy content, and sweet flavor. The seeds are translucent and nutritious.
Current Production
Mengzi City currently boasts 140,000 acres of pomegranate orchards, yielding an annual output value of 1.2 billion yuan. The harvest season showcases ripe pomegranates hanging from the trees, creating a vibrant scene. At the 58 (Mengzi) Digital Agriculture Demonstration Base in Caoba Town, over 3,000 acres of pomegranate trees are managed using digital and mechanized techniques, requiring only 8 staff members to maintain the orchards.
In Xinan Suo Street, farmers collaborate efficiently to harvest large pomegranates. A local cooperative leads the scaled development of the pomegranate industry, using automated sorting equipment to improve efficiency. This year, the cooperative has acquired over 5,000 tons of pomegranates, primarily sold to markets in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Dalian, with exports to Thailand and Vietnam.
Research and Conservation
In 2020, Mengzi City established a Pomegranate Variety Resource Nursery covering 45 acres, preserving about 308 pomegranate varieties (38 foreign and 270 domestic). This initiative aims to collect, preserve, and cultivate different pomegranate varieties while promoting research and educational activities.
Conclusion
The pomegranate industry in Mengzi has created a contiguous 140,000-acre planting area, yielding 360,000 tons of pomegranates annually, benefiting approximately 100,000 residents. This industry has become a vital pillar of Mengzi’s agricultural economy and a key source of income for local farmers.
Location
- Address: Xinan Suo Town, Mengzi County (蒙自县新安所镇)
Cultural Significance
Mengzi, with a history of 720 years, is renowned for its pomegranate garden, recognized as one of China’s top ten agricultural tourism demonstration sites. The sweet pomegranate is a hallmark fruit of Mengzi, celebrated for its flavor and nutritional value.
How to Get There
To reach the Ten Thousand Mu Pomegranate Garden, take public transportation from Mengzi City to Xinan Suo Town. Local buses and taxis are readily available for convenience.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for visiting is during the harvest season (September to November) when pomegranates are ripe.
- Taste Local Delicacies: Enjoy pomegranate-flavored dishes and other local specialties during your visit.
- Cultural Respect: Be mindful of local customs when visiting farms and markets.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially in warmer months.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of the gardens while respecting the locals’ work.
- Plan Ahead: Look for local festivals or events that may enhance your visit.
