Duanjiagou Plums

Duanjiagou Plums

　　Duanjiagou Plums

　　Exit the north gate of Lulong County and drive about twelve kilometers north along Lishé Highway to reach a picturesque small mountain village — Duanjiagou Village. Nestled east of Lishé Highway and west alongside the Qinglong River, the village is nationally renowned for its vast plum orchards covering tens of thousands of acres, and was designated as a small-fruits base by the Hebei Provincial Forestry Department in 1986.

　　Duanjiagou plums are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, making them absolutely pollution-free fruit. Today, the variety has expanded from the originally limited options of “Zhongxin” and “Huangcui” to include more than ten types such as “Black Diamond,” “Black Amber,” “Autumn Princess,” “Red Gem Plum,” “Angeleno,” and “Australian Plum 13.” As a result, fresh plums are available from March and April through July and August each year.

　　Plums are rich in protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins such as carotene. They can help clear liver heat, promote body fluid production, and aid in the formation of hemoglobin, offering significant benefits for those with anemia. However, while plums aid digestion, they should not be eaten in excess as they may cause diarrhea. People with weak stomachs are advised to consume them in moderation.

　　For those who enjoy traveling, the best time to admire the plum blossoms in the scenic area is from mid-April to early May each year. During this period, the plum blossoms are in full bloom, filling the air with their fragrant aroma. Surrounded by a sea of flowers and fluttering bees and butterflies, the breathtaking scenery is utterly enchanting and leaves visitors reluctant to leave.