Lijiang Crabapple

Lijiang Crabapple

　　　 It is a scenic highlight of Lijiang. Crabapples are admired for their blossoms in spring and harvested for their fruit in autumn. They not only beautify the environment but also bring considerable economic benefits. The planting of crabapples in Lijiang has a long history. In the late Qing Dynasty, Naxi poet He Songqiao praised them in his poem “Miscellaneous Verses on Lijiang”: Ancient crabapple trees cluster south of the town, / Their crimson reflections sink deep in White Horse Pool. / From time to time, three or five strollers gather, / Sitting beneath the blossoms for leisurely chats. He Songqiao’s poem vividly captures the beautiful scenery during the crabapple blooming season in Lijiang. Even today, it remains fresh and delightful to read.

　　 There are three types of crabapples in Lijiang. The first is the flowering quince crabapple (also known as the dwarf flowering crabapple), mainly used for courtyard beautification with an emphasis on flower viewing. The fruit that follows the blossoms is a quince, not a true crabapple. The second is the Western crabapple (also called hong, mother-and-child crabapple, or small crabapple), which has smooth and dense branches, a graceful tree form, green leaves and fragrant flowers. Its blooms are double-petaled, and the fruit is brightly colored and sweet. The third is the weeping crabapple, with a graceful, pendulous posture. Its flower stems are long and drooping, and the blossoms come in both single and double petals. The colors are delicate and charming, resembling small lotus flowers, making it a premium variety among crabapples. The latter two types are most commonly found in Lijiang and Lashi, both producing stunning spring blossoms and autumn fruits.

　　 Lijiang crabapple fruits are often made into dried products for sale, available in bulk or bags. In the Naxi language, they are called "duolijiu bu," a dual-purpose dried fruit used for both food and medicine, particularly effective for treating nephritis and diabetes. They are especially suitable for children who are reluctant to take medicine, as they get to eat fruit while also receiving treatment.