Guazhou Watermelon

Guazhou Watermelon

Guazhou Watermelon is a geographical indication agricultural product.

　　   Guazhou County, historically known as "Guazhou," has a long history of watermelon cultivation. In the second year of Yuanshou during the Western Han Dynasty (121 BC), Emperor Wu of Han established the Four Commanderies of the Hexi Corridor, and Guazhou was one of them. According to the "Geographical Records" in the Book of Han: "The land of ancient Guazhou produced fine melons," and "the region still yields large melons today—some so big that a fox can enter one and eat its fill without its head or tail showing." The "Guangzhi" from the Western Jin Dynasty states: "The large melons of Guazhou are as big as a hu (an ancient measuring unit), considered imperial melons, sweeter than honey." "During the Yongzheng era, Hui Muslims relocated to Guazhou all grew premium melons for tribute."

　　  The "Geographical Records" in the Former Han Book records: “Dunhuang, governed by the Central Commandant, includes the Guanghou Office. Du Lin believed this to be the ancient Guazhou, a place producing fine melons. Shi Gu said this refers to the Rong people of the Yun surname mentioned in the Zuo Zhuan (Commentary of Zuo) in the Spring and Autumn Annals. The region still yields large melons today—some so big that a fox can enter one and eat its fill without its head or tail showing.” Later generations associated this with the story of Zhang Qian’s mission to the Western Regions. Legend has it that during the Western Han Dynasty, Zhang Qian (？–114 BC), under the order of Emperor Wu of Han, was sent on a mission to the Western Regions. Passing through Jiayuguan, he arrived at a place where he fell seriously ill. After following the advice of a physician and eating a watermelon, he recovered. To commemorate this place, it was named "Guazhou."

　　  Guazhou County has continuously explored and introduced efficient, three-dimensional cultivation techniques for watermelons, actively promoting new planting models such as intercropping early-maturing watermelons in small arch sheds with vegetables and cotton, achieving good economic results. This year, in the three towns of West Lake, Guazhou, and Nancha, over 680 acres of three-dimensional intercropped small arch shed watermelons were developed. The main watermelon varieties planted are all disease-resistant, early-maturing, and high-quality strains such as anti-withering Zaoguanlong, ripening 20–25 days earlier than open-field cultivation. They were launched for full sales in mid-June, with the highest price reaching 2.4 yuan per kilogram. It is estimated that the income per acre of watermelon can reach 3,500–4,000 yuan, and with the additional income from cotton and vegetables, the comprehensive yield per acre can exceed 5,000 yuan—over 2,000 yuan more than field-grown watermelons—effectively improving land productivity and increasing farmers’ incomes.

　　  Guazhou Watermelon

　　  Geographic Scope

　　  Guazhou County is located at the western end of the Hexi Corridor, between latitudes 39°52′–41°53′ N and longitudes 94°45′–97°00′ E. The Guazhou watermelon cultivation area includes 10 towns within the administrative region of Guazhou County: Guazhou Township, West Lake Township, Nancha Town, Suoyang Town, Bulongji Township, Hedong Township, Sandao Gou Town, Yaozhanzi Township, Lianghu Township, and Guangzhi Township, covering 58 administrative villages. There are 16,000 households engaged in watermelon cultivation, with a planting area of 4,666.6 hectares and an annual output of 245,000 tons.

　　  Product Quality Characteristics

　　  1. External Sensory Characteristics: The fruit is round, with a dark green rind, bright red flesh, fine and crisp texture, juicy and delicious, with a sugar content of over 10%. It tastes sweet, with fine flesh and abundant juice, high sugar content, and a crisp, refreshing mouthfeel. It is resistant to storage and transport, with no pesticide residues. Free from defects such as bruising, chemical damage, sunburn, pests, diseases, or injuries. 2. Safety Requirements: The growing environment of Guazhou Watermelon complies with NY5013-2006 (Pollution-Free Food, Environmental Conditions); the product quality meets the NY5011-2006 (Pollution-Free Food Fruits) quality standards; the production process follows DB62/T1177-2004 "Grade A Green Food Watermelon Cultivation Technical Regulations," and the cultivated products are managed according to a series of technical specifications for production, processing, packaging, storage, and transport in Guazhou County. Pesticide inputs are used rationally, strictly prohibiting the use of highly toxic pesticides banned by the state, and adhering to strict pesticide safety intervals.