Shanhaiguan Big Cherries

Shanhaiguan Big Cherries

　　Shanhaiguan District earnestly implemented the Central Document No. 1, making the development of the big cherry specialty fruit industry a primary means to increase farmers' income. In 2004, the planting area was expanded by 3,000 mu, bringing the total big cherry cultivation area in the district to 15,000 mu, involving over 7,000 farming households. The total output reached 2.5 million kilograms, doubling that of the previous year; the output value hit 30 million yuan, an increase of 10 million yuan from the previous year, with per capita income rising by 1,000 yuan.

In recent years, Shanhaiguan District has taken a practical approach and carefully analyzed the distinctive advantages of big cherry production. First, its distribution nationwide is limited, mainly concentrated in coastal areas such as Yantai in Shandong, Dalian in Liaoning, and Qinhuangdao City, with the national cultivation area totaling just over 100,000 mu. Given the vast consumer base across the country, supply falls short of demand. Second, Shanhaiguan big cherries mature in late May, with harvesting periods divided into early, mid, and late seasons, and they are of high quality and yield. Their ripening period also coincides with a gap in the availability of other seasonal fruits. Based on these factors, Shanhaiguan District has focused on the "specialty" aspect, developing big cherries as a signature industry.