Lixian Grapes

Lixian Grapes

Lixian Grapes are a protected geographical indication product.

　　Lixian Grapes, also known as Lizhou Grapes, are a specialty of Lixian County in Hunan Province and a nationally recognized geographical indication product of China. Lixian was the first to successfully introduce high-quality Eurasian grape varieties, breaking the notion that such grapes could not be cultivated in southern regions, earning it the title "Turpan of the South." Advanced cultivation technology, strict standardized production management, and an excellent ecological environment result in high-quality grapes that are highly favored by consumers.

　　Historically known as Lizhou, Lixian is located in the northwest of Hunan Province and boasts a long history. Lixian is unique [Figure 1: Lixian Grape Planting Base]

　　[1] The ancient vitality of China has contributed to the widespread acclaim of Lixian Grapes. Its premium grapes are cherished across southern China, giving rise to the saying “Turpan in the north, Lixian Grapes in the south.” The grape industry has become a vital economic livelihood for local farmers. The grape industry in Lixian began in the late 1980s, primarily featuring the Kyoho variety. By the mid-1990s, the planted area reached 5,000 mu. [2] In the late 1990s, with support from Hunan Agricultural University, Changde Lixian was the first to successfully introduce high-quality Eurasian grape varieties, shattering the belief that these could not grow in southern regions. This development gave rise to a new, efficient, and distinctive agricultural industry in Lixian, earning it the title "Turpan of the South." As of 2009, Lixian had three grape cooperatives—Cen Yuan, Nong Kang, and Huang He—with over 3,100 members covering all grape growers and traders in the county. The area of high-quality grape cultivation reached 17,000 mu, including 12,000 mu of Eurasian grapes and 5,000 mu of wine (spur) grapes. There was one breeding base producing 500,000 high-quality seedlings annually, a winery capable of processing 3,000 tons per year, two pre-cooling warehouses with a capacity of 200 cubic meters each, and two leisure grape estates spanning 500 mu each. Additionally, 11 fresh grape products obtained national green food certification, and 15 varieties were recognized as pollution-free product origin. [3] The grapes are mainly distributed across 15 towns including Luyang, Zhanggongmiao, Dayandang, and Xiaodukou. In 2003, a research project on “Grape Introduction and Pollution-Free Cultivation Techniques” jointly conducted by Hunan Agricultural University, the People’s Government of Lixian County, and Lixian Nongkang Company won the Provincial Science and Technology Progress Second Prize. An off-campus teaching and research base, a “Double Hundred” Science and Technology Enrichment Project demonstration base, and an industry-academia-research cooperation demonstration base were established in Lixian. In July 2008, Lixian Shenzhou Manor Wine Co., Ltd. and Hunan Agricultural University jointly completed the “Development of Spur Wine Series Products” project. The scientific and technological achievements were appraised by an expert committee organized by the provincial science and technology department.

　　　The main grape varieties in Lixian include Red Globe, Ruby Roman, Flame Seedless, Victoria, and Pink Lady. With their beautiful fruit shape, vibrant color, sweet taste, and being pollution-free and hormone-free, they are widely favored by consumers, with products sold to more than 10 provinces and cities including Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, and Hubei.

　　　In accordance with the "Regulations on the Protection of Geographical Indication Products," the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China organized experts to review the application for the geographical indication product protection of Lixian Grapes (Lizhou Grapes). Upon passing the review, starting from February 21, 2011, Songhua Stone, Songhua Inkstone (Songhua Stone Inkstone), Cangqiao Crystal Pear, Hanshou Soft-shelled Turtle, and Lixian Grapes (Lizhou Grapes) were approved as protected geographical indication products, with protection implemented by quality inspection agencies in their respective areas (Announcement No. 22 of 2011 by the General Administration).

　　Production Area Scope

　　　　The production area of Lixian Grapes (Lizhou Grapes) includes 20 towns in Lixian County, Hunan Province: Luyang Town, Zhanggongmiao Town, Lidang Township, Linnan Town, Ludong Township, Cennan Township, Daping Township, Daohe Township, Xiaodukou Town, Jiuyuan Township, Guanyuan Township, Yongfeng Township, Rudong Township, Mengxi Town, Leigongta Town, Dayandang Town, Chexi Township, Zhongwu Township, Jinluo Town, and Wangjiachang Town.

　　Use of Special Mark

　　　　Producers within the production area of Lixian Grapes (Lizhou Grapes) may apply to the Lixian County Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision in Hunan Province for the use of the “Special Mark for Geographical Indication Products.” After review by the Hunan Provincial Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision and approval by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China, the mark will be announced. The statutory testing institution for Lixian Grapes (Lizhou Grapes) is designated by the Hunan Provincial Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision.