Wulong Alpine Cabbage

Wulong Alpine Cabbage

Wulong Alpine Cabbage is an agricultural product with geographical indication.

　　Wulong Alpine Cabbage

　　Geographic Scope

　　Wulong County is located on the southeastern edge of Chongqing, at the junction of the Dalou Mountain fold belt of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Wuling Mountain Range, between 107°13′–108°05′ east longitude and 29°02′–29°40′ north latitude. The area is predominantly mountainous, with general relative elevation differences of 700–1000 meters. The highest elevation in the county is 2033.3 meters, and the lowest is 160 meters. Wulong Alpine Cabbage is produced in the areas above 1200 meters in altitude within the Xiannvshan Mountain Range in Wulong County, Chongqing, specifically in Qiaozicun, Mugencun, and Shibacun of Shuanghe Township west of Xiannvshan National Forest Park. The production area spans 700 hectares, with an annual yield of 40,000 tons.

　　Natural Ecological Environment and Humanistic-Historical Factors

　　(1) Soil and Topography: The production area of Wulong Alpine Cabbage features limestone strata, with yellow soil that is mostly rock-derived, having a pH value of 5.5–6.5 and an average organic matter content of 2.6–3%. The ecological environment is superior, with good quality soil, agricultural irrigation water, and air, and no industrial “three wastes” pollution.

　　(2) Hydrology: The county has a well-developed water system. The main course of the Wu River runs east to west across the region, stretching over 80 kilometers. Twelve tributaries—including the Furong River, Daxi River, Muzong River, Changtu River, and Shiliang River—converge with the Wu River, forming the Wu River system within Wulong. In addition to the Wu River, the total water resources in the area amount to 2.17 billion cubic meters, including 2.08 billion cubic meters of surface runoff. Agricultural irrigation in the production area mainly relies on surface runoff or water storage. Water volume is seasonally abundant, with sediment content of 5–20% and mineralization level <1g/L. The water quality can be reasonably adjusted according to the county’s natural characteristics and crop growth periods, and meets national standards for farmland irrigation water quality.

　　(3) Climate: The area has a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by mild temperatures, abundant rainfall, distinct seasons (spring rain, summer drought, autumn drizzle, and winter dryness), frequent cloud cover, limited sunshine, a long frost-free period, and significant vertical climate variation. The annual average temperature is 10–17°C, with annual rainfall of 1094.4 mm, a frost-free period of 210–260 days, and relative humidity of 74–83%.

　　(4) Humanistic-Historical Background: Wulong County is a UNESCO World Geopark site known for its karst landscapes, with a forest coverage rate of around 40%. It features attractions such as Xiannvshan National Forest Park, Baimashan Nature Reserve, Furongjiang Scenic Area, as well as the Furong Cave, Tiansheng Sanqiao (Three Natural Bridges), and Tianjing Di Feng (Heavenly Pit Rift). Since the 19th century, there has been a tradition of cultivating cabbage at high altitudes. Large-scale planting began in the early 1980s with the introduction of new varieties. Since then, continuous variety updates and quality control have expanded cultivation areas. Due to the vast high-altitude arable land, crop rotation practices, and favorable climate with minimal pests and diseases, “Wulong Alpine Cabbage” is known for its distinctive qualities—crisp, tender, sweet, and pleasant in taste. It can be stir-fried, boiled, served cold, pickled, or dried. Wulong was the first county in Chongqing to implement an integrated approach to pollution-free vegetable farming. Wulong vegetables have become a major supply source for Chongqing’s urban markets during off-seasons, and have also gained a presence in surrounding provinces and coastal regions. The county exports a large volume of vegetables, significantly boosting farmers’ incomes. The Wulong County Government has designated vegetable farming as a leading agricultural industry, and the Chongqing Municipal Government has listed Wulong as a key base for supplying off-season vegetables to Chongqing’s urban center.

　　Production Technical Requirements

　　(1) Location Selection: Wulong Alpine Cabbage is grown in the mountainous areas above 1200 meters in altitude in Qiaozicun, Mugencun, and Shibacun of Shuanghe Township, Wulong County. The production location meets the environmental requirements for pollution-free vegetable production outlined in the “Agricultural Product Safety Quality — Requirements for Pollution-Free Vegetable Production Areas” (GB18407.1-2001).

　　(2) Variety Selection: Varieties resistant to pests and diseases, with good appearance and internal quality that meet market demand—such as the Xiyuan series and Japanese overwintering cabbage—are selected.

　　(3) Production Process Management: Wulong Alpine Cabbage follows the “Pollution-Free Food Cabbage Production Technical Regulations” (NY5800-2001).

　　(4) Product Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling: Cabbages are harvested in batches according to market conditions during maturity, supplying both local and external markets. Some produce is processed through dehydration.

　　(5) Production Record Requirements: Field production records are established and maintained by farm owners, specialized cooperatives, or township agricultural service centers, ensuring comprehensive documentation and proper storage for future reference.

　　Typical Quality Characteristics and Product Safety Standards

　　(1) Quality Characteristics of Wulong Alpine Cabbage: The produce is flat and round, with bright leaves, appropriate moisture without wilting, and surfaces free of soil, dust, or other contaminants. There should be no heartburn, cracked heads, rot, off-odors, frost damage, pests or diseases, or mechanical injuries.

　　(2) Safety Requirements for Wulong Alpine Cabbage: The product complies with the “Agricultural Product Safety Quality — Safety Requirements for Pollution-Free Vegetables” (GB18406.1-2001).

　　Packaging, Labeling, and Related Regulations

　　Based on shape, color, tenderness, and other product characteristics, Wulong Alpine Cabbage is classified into four grades after harvesting: Special Grade, Premium Grade, First Grade, and Second Grade. Special Grade produce is transported by refrigerated trucks to ports and then shipped in refrigerated containers to southeastern coastal areas or exported to Southeast Asia. Premium Grade products are quantitatively packaged in fresh trays with cling film, labeled with vegetable safety marks, and stacked in plastic crates with clear markings for product name, net weight, origin, harvest date, and shockproof instructions. These are delivered quickly to contracted supermarkets by fresh produce processing companies. First Grade cabbages are transported in bulk or bags to wholesale markets in Chongqing and surrounding areas. Second Grade produce is directly purchased by county-based processing companies and processed through dehydration, salting, or pickling methods.