Jiangjin Tangerines

Jiangjin Tangerines

Jiangjin Tangerines are a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　As early as the Kangxi to Qianlong reigns of the Qing Dynasty, Jiangjin in Chongqing began cultivating tangerines, boasting a history of 300 years. It is one of China's three major citrus-producing regions and is known as the "Hometown of Citrus." Varieties include: Jincheng (Mandarin Orange), Xianfeng (Pioneer), Bingtang (Rock Sugar), Jinhua, Chuncheng (Spring), and Wuyuehong (May Red). Jincheng tangerines have fine, tender flesh that melts in the mouth, a well-balanced sweet and sour taste, rich juice, and a delicate fragrance. The edible portion of the fruit is large, with abundant juice and few seeds. Xianfeng oranges have a slightly lighter orange-red color, a pleasant sweet and sour flavor, a rich taste with aroma, and slightly more seeds. In addition, Jiangjin also produces Bingtang and Tongzi citrus—varieties with thin skin, tender flesh, and a sweet, refreshing taste—as well as late-maturing sweet oranges such as "Wuyuehong" (May Red) and Qingbo Summer Orange, which flower in the first year and ripen in April of the following year. There are also red-skinned fragrant citrus and yellow-skinned fragrant citrus, known for their crisp texture, sweet taste, and good storability and transportability.

　　Natural Ecological Environment and Cultural-Historical Factors

　　(1) Soil and Topography: The production area of Jiangjin Tangerines is located in the southwestern edge of the parallel mountain-valley region of eastern Sichuan, bordering the Guizhou Plateau to the south, with higher terrain in the south and lower in the north. It features a landscape of hills and low mountains. The soil types within this area are divided into four major categories: paddy soil, purple soil, alluvial soil, and yellow earth, comprising eight subcategories, twenty-five soil genera, seventy-two soil species, and one hundred and ten variants. The average pH value of the topsoil for cultivation is 6.2, indicating fertile soil with high organic matter content.

　　(2) Hydrology: The production region of Jiangjin Tangerines lies within the national citrus belt construction area of the Yangtze River Basin. The water is clean, with convenient irrigation and drainage systems, and abundant water sources supported by ditches and matching facilities. The irrigation water environment meets the requirements of NY/T391-2000.

　　(3) Climate: Jiangjin is situated in a mid-subtropical humid monsoon climate zone. Areas below 400 meters in elevation have an annual average temperature of 17°C–19°C, an annual effective accumulated temperature above 10°C of 5500°C–6500°C, a coldest monthly average temperature of 5.9°C–7.2°C, annual sunshine duration of 1200–1600 hours, a frost-free period as long as 341 days, relative humidity of 65%–80%, and annual precipitation of 1100–1300 mm. With warm winters, early springs, short autumns, long summers, concurrent rain and heat, and ample sunlight, experts describe it as “the most suitable planting area for all types of citrus.”

　　(4) Cultural-Historical Background: Jiangjin has a long history of tangerine cultivation and is reputed as the “Hometown of Tangerines.” According to the county annals (Qianlong edition of 1766), “The Huayang Guo Zhi (Records of the States South of Mount Hua) states that Jiangzhou (now part of ancient Jiangzhou, which includes present-day Jiangjin) produced citrus… Currently, the region is quite productive of citrus.” The Ancient Bashu records: “The forests of Bashu were also famous nationwide during the Qin and Han dynasties, with economic forests, especially citrus cultivation, being the most developed.” The Jiangjin Local Chronicles from the 32nd year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty noted: “Tangerines are large, yellow, sweet, and juicy. When stored with stone flower or chaff, they can remain good for years.” Jiangjin offers a rich diversity of tangerine varieties. Major cultivated types include Jincheng, with fine, tender flesh, balanced sweet-sour flavor, rich juice, and a slight fragrance; Xianfeng, with a slightly lighter orange-red hue, sweet-sour taste, strong flavor, and aroma; late-maturing sweet oranges that flower in one year and ripen in April the next; as well as premium varieties introduced from around the world, such as Miannai Summer Orange and Tarocco Blood Orange.

　　Regional Scope

　　The production area of Jiangjin Tangerines lies between 105°49′24″–106°04′00″ east longitude and 28°30′05″–29°26′42″ north latitude. It encompasses Jiangjin District, which borders Qijiang to the east, Yongchuan to the west, Hejiang and Xishui of Guizhou to the south, and Bishan and Banan to the north. This area covers 25 towns and subdistricts, including Jijiang Subdistrict, De’an Subdistrict, Zhiping Subdistrict, Baisha Town, Luohuang Town, Shimao Town, Lishi Town, Youxi Town, Xianfeng Town, Caijia Town, Xihu Town, Shimen Town, Shuangfu Subdistrict, Yongxing Town, Longhua Town, Wutan Town, Jiashi Town, Dushi Town, Zhuyang Town, Ciyun Town, Zhongshan Town, Jiaping Town, Xiaba Town, Guangxing Town, and Tanghe Town. The lowest elevation is 178.5 meters and the highest is 1709.4 meters.