Changuang Chestnuts

Changuang Chestnuts

Changuang chestnuts are a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　The main production area of Changuang chestnuts is located in seven riverside (Nanpan River) towns in the southern part of Xingyi City, Guizhou Province, centered around Changuang Town (Changuang, Cangjiang, Luowan, Bajie, Nidang, Sanjiangkou, and Pengzha), and is widely recognized as the "Hometown of Chestnuts." With an average annual temperature of 20°C, annual rainfall of 1,350 mm, and forest coverage of approximately 70%, the region boasts picturesque landscapes and a pleasant climate, making it one of the primary chestnut-producing areas in Guizhou Province. The Changuang chestnuts grown here are free from chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and pollution, making them a natural food product. In July 2007, testing by the Guiyang Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Supervision and Inspection Center confirmed that the chestnuts met the standards for "pollution-free agricultural products" (subsequent annual tests have continued to meet these standards). Changuang chestnuts are high in sugar content, low in moisture, and rich in various trace elements essential to the human body, offering a fragrant and delicious taste that is favored by consumers both within and outside the province. The product is exported to regions such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhejiang. Currently, the chestnut planting area in Changuang and surrounding areas totals over 180,000 mu, with more than 80,000 mu bearing fruit, producing 30 million jin of chestnuts annually and generating an output value of over 50 million yuan. It serves as a pillar industry in the riverside (Nanpan River) region. At present, there are three controlled-atmosphere cold storage facilities in the area, with a total capacity of 1,300 tons, ensuring year-round supply of chestnuts.

　　Development History

　　　　Since the 23rd year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign, the people of Changuang have had the habit of planting chestnuts in their courtyards. Starting from the early 1960s, efforts were made to encourage the public to grow chestnuts, though most of those chestnuts, aside from those planted in courtyards, were collectively owned. In 1979, the household responsibility system was implemented. By 1980, chestnut production reached 55 tons per year, increasing to 291 tons in 1990, and 1,200 tons in 2000. Large-scale planting occurred between 2000 and 2005, when Changuang utilized funds from projects such as converting farmland to forests, afforesting barren hills, and the Natural Forest Conservation Program, as well as providing free seedlings and interest-free loans to some disadvantaged residents, to encourage mass planting of chestnuts. At the same time, the other six towns along the river also began promoting large-scale planting among local residents. Gradually, a chestnut growing base took shape and expanded. In June 2011, the seven towns along the river jointly established the "Xingyi City Changuang Chestnut Association" and a united party branch to integrate regional planting resources and technical strengths, actively apply for geographical indication registration, participate in various trade fairs, and promote the marketization and industrialization of chestnuts. They also provide comprehensive services to local chestnut farmers in planting, maintenance, sales, storage, processing, and more, continuously improving quality while preserving the distinctive characteristics of Changuang chestnuts.