Yongchun Mandarins

Yongchun Mandarins

Yongchun Mandarins are a protected geographical indication product.

Yongchun Mandarins are a certified geographical indication trademark.

Yongchun Mandarins are an agricultural geographical indication product.

　　Yongchun Mandarins are one of the traditional and premium specialties in the Yongchun area of Fujian Province, and also the leading variety in Yongchun’s agricultural production. These mandarins are known for their large, well-shaped fruits, bright orange-yellow color, thin peel, juicy and tender flesh, crisp and sweet taste, unique flavor, and rich content of vitamins and other nutrients. They enjoy a high reputation both domestically and internationally. The mandarins are exported to more than 10 countries and regions including Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, and are hailed as the “Oriental Fine Fruit.”

　　The cultivation of Yongchun Mandarins began in the early 1950s, pioneered by patriotic overseas Chinese Mr. You Yangzu, who funded their introduction. In just three or four decades, they have become a widely planted and highly reputed product across thousands of households, renowned both at home and abroad. Currently, the county has planted over 100,000 mu of citrus, with an annual social yield of 1 million dan, maintaining the top position in the province for both area and yield for 15 consecutive years, earning it the title “Hometown of Citrus.” The main product, Yongchun Mandarins, which account for over 80% of the county’s citrus output, won first place in the national high-quality fruit competition in 1989 for their large, well-shaped fruits, bright orange color, thin peel, balanced sweetness and acidity, crisp and tender texture, sweet taste, and rich vitamin and nutrient content. The product is sold to major cities across the country and to regions and countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, Canada, with last year’s export volume accounting for a quarter of the province’s total exports, ranking first in the province. As such, Yongchun Mandarins lead the province in four key aspects: planting area, yield, quality, and export earnings. They not only bring benefits to the people of Yongchun but also honor to the region. This “Oriental Fine Fruit,” symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and prosperity, is naturally beloved by the local people, and the Yongchun Mandarin Festival has been held in its honor. The event received tremendous care from our beloved Premier Li Peng, whose personal inscription added boundless glory and festive spirit to the festival, bringing great inspiration and encouragement to the people of the county. Our festival also gained attention and support from leaders at all levels and overseas compatriots. With distinguished guests gathering, the event was filled with a grand and warm atmosphere. It can be believed that through hosting the Mandarin Festival, using the fruit as a medium and the festival as a bond to make friends, strengthen hometown ties, promote Yongchun, and further advance the Yongchun spirit of “unity, striving, dedication, and exploration,” will have a profound and significant impact on accelerating openness, building Yongchun, and revitalizing the region. The cultivation of Yongchun Mandarins started relatively late but has developed rapidly. Historical records show no prior documentation of citrus cultivation in Yongchun County. Chronicles from the Ming and Qing dynasties only mention fruit trees of the same family as citrus, such as pomelos, Buddha’s hands, and oranges. In 1932, a batch of citrus seedlings from Zhangzhou was introduced to Yongchun, but survival rates were very low. It wasn’t until 1953 that Mr. You Yangzu, a senior overseas Chinese from Indonesia, returned to his hometown in Dapu Township, Yongchun County. Soon after, he opened a citrus orchard on his own at Menghu Mountain in Dapu, introducing premium mandarin varieties, establishing a overseas Chinese farming plantation, and becoming an advocate for mountain citrus cultivation. By 1958, the county’s citrus planting area had expanded to 476 mu, but the yield was only 300 dan (15 tons). The period from 1955 to 1977 marked the expansion phase of Yongchun Mandarins. By 1977, the planted area had reached 0.84 million mu, with a yield of 79,120 dan (3,956 tons), propelling the county to the top in both citrus area and yield in Fujian Province, earning Yongchun the title “Hometown of Citrus.” After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee, Yongchun County adhered to an open-door policy, combining development with opening up, emphasizing both agricultural investment and technological advancement. By employing a strategy where “all five wheels turned together”—state-owned, collective, private, joint ventures, and imported methods—the county’s citrus production entered a phase of rapid growth. Annual output soared from 61,000 dan (3,050 tons) in 1978 to one million dan (50,000 tons) today. The yield has ranked first in Fujian Province for 15 consecutive years. Currently, the county has 125,000 mu of fruit orchards, including 100,700 mu of citrus, averaging about 1 mu of citrus per farming household, yielding around 10 dan (0.5 tons) of citrus per household. The variety of citrus has also greatly increased, with the county now cultivating over 70 varieties across three genera. The main types include Yongchun Mandarins, Tankan, Yinzi Citrus, Xun Citrus, and Fukan Citrus. Yongchun Mandarins are one of the traditional and premium specialties in the region and the leading variety in agricultural production. They feature large, well-shaped fruits, bright orange-yellow color, thin peel, juicy and tender flesh, crisp and sweet taste, unique flavor, and rich vitamin and nutrient content, enjoying a high reputation in domestic and international markets. Foreign fruit merchants call them the “Oriental Fine Fruit.” In December 1989, during the National High-Quality Fruit Evaluation Conference held by the Ministry of Agriculture in Nanchang, Jiangxi, Yongchun Mandarins were crowned the champion among similar products and honored as the “New Star of the Tangerine Homeland.” By 1990, the county’s mandarin planting area reached 97,000 mu, accounting for 95% of the total citrus area, with a yield of about 38,300 tons, making up 90% of the total citrus output. Every year from October to December, 70,000 mu of Yongchun Mandarins come into season, accounting for 70% of the total cultivated area. As citrus production gradually increases, Yongchun’s citrus yield will continue to grow, moving toward higher productivity and better quality. (Gushan Town)