Xichang Onions

Xichang Onions

Xichang Onions are a protected geographical indication product.

Xichang Onions are an agricultural geographical indication product.

　　"Xichang Onions," also known as red-skinned onions, are one of the famous, special, high-quality early-season vegetables developed in Xichang City, Sichuan Province after the 1990s. Due to the distinctive odor of the whole plant and especially the pungent smell of the bulbs, they have gained considerable popularity in both domestic and international markets. Xichang is known as the "Hometown of Chinese Onions." "Xichang Onions" won a gold award at the Agricultural Expo, and eleven products including "Xichang Onions" and "Xichang Garlic Sprouts" have been certified with the Green Food label. The Anning Town area is the main production base.

In 2008, the total vegetable planting area in Xichang was 128,700 mu, with a yield of 422,000 tons and an output value of 260.07 million yuan. Of these, 112,700 mu were for export vegetables, producing 372,000 tons with an output value of 242.07 million yuan. Onion cultivation covered 50,000 mu, yielding 250,000 tons. The sector has achieved stable planting areas, established optimized production regions, significantly improved scale, extended the industrial chain to some extent, and strengthened technological support. The vegetable industry has entered a phase transitioning from traditional production methods to modern agricultural practices. Vegetable products not only meet the city’s annual demand but are also widely exported to other parts of China and abroad, including Japan, South Korea, and Russia.

　　The protected geographical indication area for Xichang Onions covers 20 towns and townships under the jurisdiction of Xichang City, Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province, including Anning Town, Taihe Town, Lizhou Town, Madao Town, Huanglianguan Town, Youjun Town, Chuanxing Town, Yuehua Township, Langhuan Township, Xingsheng Township, Zhangmujing Township, Xixiang Township, Xiaomiao Township, Yulong Hui Ethnic Township, Gaocao Hui Ethnic Township, Xixi Township, Zhongba Township, Aqu Township, Huangshui Township, and Jingjiu Township.

　　Xichang Onions

　　Geographic Scope

　　Xichang City is located in the southwest of Sichuan Province, situated between the Qionghai Lake Basin, the alluvial plain of the Anning River, and the surrounding mountainous areas. Its geographical coordinates are 101°46′00″ to 102°25′00″ east longitude and 27°32′00″ to 28°10′00″ north latitude. It borders Xide County, Zhaojue County, and Puge County to the east, reaches the border with Dechang County to the south, lies adjacent to Yanyuan County across the Yalong River to the west, and connects to Mianning County to the north. The protected geographical indication area for Xichang Onions as an agricultural product includes 24 townships and 162 villages within Xichang City, namely Anning Town, Taihe Town, Lizhou Town, Madao Town, Huanglianguan Town, Youjun Town, Chuanxing Town, Yuehua Township, Langhuan Township, Xingsheng Township, Zhangmujing Township, Xixiang Township, Xiaomiao Township, Yulong Township, Gaocao Township, Xixi Township, Zhongba Township, Aqu Township, Huangshui Township, Jingjiu Township, Xijiao Township, Gaojian Township, Hainan Township, and Daxing Township.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　(1) External Sensory Characteristics: Xichang Onions have tender flesh, a compact structure, a fragrant aroma, and a sweet, crisp taste with a rich flavor. They are available early in the season (starting in March) and are easy to store (can be kept until September). (2) Internal Quality Indicators: Xichang Onions are rich in internal nutrients, particularly allicin, vitamin C, protein, and amino acids, and contain a certain amount of selenium. (3) Safety Requirements: They comply with the quality standards specified in "Xichang Onions" DB513401/T02-2010.