Bijie Citrus

Bijie Citrus

　　The low-altitude, heat-rich area of the Chishui River basin in Qixingguan District, Bijie City, is a suitable region for high-quality citrus production. Its natural ecological and climatic conditions are favorable for the growth and development of various citrus varieties. In 1981, at the National Citrus Zoning Conference, blood orange, late orange, and ponkan were highly rated for their top-tier quality. The Ministry of Agriculture’s Citrus Advantage Zone Development Plan (2002–2007) officially designated the low-altitude, heat-rich area of the Chishui River basin as a production base for high-quality early-maturing fresh citrus.

　　Currently, the citrus bases in Qixingguan District are mainly located in the Chishui River valley areas of Qingshui Pu Town, Tiankan Township, Puyi Town, Longchang Town, and Shengji Town, which offer favorable ecological conditions for citrus cultivation. There are now over 50 citrus varieties, including more than 10 high-quality ones, with 15,000 mu of productive orchards. Major varieties include ponkan, navel orange, late orange, summer orange, and blood orange.

　　Chengmanyuan currently has 7,500 mu of orchards, including 3,500 mu of citrus, producing 7,500 tons annually. There are nine large-scale varieties available year-round. Early October sees the harvest of Satsuma mandarins; from November to January, you can find ponkan and navel oranges; from February to May, blood oranges and late oranges are in season; and from June to September, summer oranges are available. The development of citrus production has gradually become a pillar industry of the rural economy. Citrus fruits such as ponkan, navel orange, late orange, summer orange, and blood orange, produced using pollution-free techniques, have the highest sugar content in citrus evaluations across six provinces. Their unique local flavors have earned widespread praise from consumers.