Orchids of Heqing

Orchids of Heqing

　　Heqing County is a renowned orchid-producing area in Dali Prefecture, known as the hometown of Daxuesu orchids. Historical records indicate that orchid cultivation began in Heqing as early as the early Ming Dynasty, with a longstanding tradition among locals of growing, collecting, and appreciating orchids. On July 22, 1986, the Heqing County Orchid Association was established. Now, after 17 years, the association has remained steadfast in its mission to develop the orchid industry in Heqing County, diligently working toward this goal.

With active support from the county government and guidance from the Orchid Association, the local orchid industry has flourished, creating a widespread trend of households cultivating orchids. Currently, there are around 20,000 orchid growers in the county, of which approximately 15,000 operate on a medium to large scale. They cultivate about one million orchid plants across 136 varieties, with the highest price for a single plant reaching up to three million yuan. The booming orchid industry has driven the growth of various sectors in the county and has become a key source of income and prosperity for local farmers. Among the orchid growers, there are over 200 private cars, including more than 50 high-end vehicles such as BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes, and Audis.