Wanhe Orchids

Wanhe Orchids

Wanhe Orchids is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Wanhe Orchids are a specialty of Zengdu District, Suizhou City, Hubei Province.

　　Wanhe Orchids are the hometoown of China's Cymbidium, earning recognition as one of the world's three major orchid-producing regions along with Japan and South Korea. The area holds 80% of the country’s wild Cymbidium stock. There are currently over 50 million orchid plants in the town, with more than 2,000 people involved year-round in their cultivation and business. Currently, over 30,000 pots of rare and precious orchids are cultivated here. Notable varieties include the Mei Ban, Peony, Narcissus, San Xing Die (Three-Star Butterfly), and Tree-form Orchids. The book "Lan Hui Bao Jian" (Orchid & Cymbidium Treasures) features 15 renowned Wanhe Cymbidium varieties, among which the "Cymbidium Dwarf Crystal" is hailed as an unprecedented marvel in the history of Cymbidium cultivation. At national orchid expos held annually, Wanhe Orchids frequently win gold and silver awards. In March 2007, at the Wuhan Orchid Expo, a Cymbidium variety called "Eastern Lion" cultivated by a Wanhe grower won a special prize. The highest transaction price for a single premium Wanhe Cymbidium reached as much as $80,000, setting a record for the most expensive single plant sale.

　　The market for trading Wanhe Orchids was established over 20 years ago, attracting dealers from regions such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and South Korea, who came in search of the fragrant blooms and purchased them in bulk at low prices. In recent years, as wild orchid resources have dwindled and forestry authorities have strictly prohibited the harvesting of wild orchids, the orchid cultivation industry in Wanhe Town has seen rapid development. In 2002, with approval from the provincial government, a natural orchid reserve was established within the Qijianfeng Forest Farm in Wanhe, covering a total area of 72,000 mu. In 2006, Wanhe Town built an orchid cultivation park, with five villages becoming specialized in orchid cultivation. The Wanhe Orchid industry has thus embarked on a path of sustainable development.

　　To spread the fragrance of Wanhe Orchids both in China and abroad, expand and strengthen the orchid industry, and promote orchid culture, the first China Suizhou (Wanhe) Orchid Festival was held from April 18 to 19, 2007. It was jointly organized by the Hubei Provincial Forestry Bureau and the Suizhou Municipal People’s Government, and hosted by the Zengdu District People’s Government, Zengdu District Forestry Bureau, and the Orchid Branch of the Hubei Flower, Plant & Bonsai Association. The festival also featured a rare orchid exhibition, economic and trade negotiations, and an "Orchid Spring" cultural evening gala. During the event, over 3,000 orchid dealers from South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan attended. Over the two-day festival, orchid transactions exceeded 50 million yuan, with the most expensive pot—containing five young plants—selling for 930,000 yuan. In the off-site free trade area, individual plants sold for up to 130,000 yuan.

　　The Orchid Festival celebrates orchid culture. Known for their elegance and delicate fragrance, orchids charm the world with their unique blooms, pure and translucent colors, and intoxicatingly subtle scents, offering great aesthetic pleasure. They symbolize the Chinese nation’s appreciation for beauty and virtue, pursuit of truth and pragmatism, as well as a serene, refined, and noble state of mind.

　　Every mid-April is the best time to admire orchids, and visiting Wanhe to appreciate these flowers is considered a refined pastime. Many rare and valuable orchid varieties can be viewed at the Wanhe Orchid Cultivation Park.