Zhangfang Mopan Persimmons

Zhangfang Mopan Persimmons

　　Zhangfang Town covers a total area of 152.4 square kilometers, with 7,138 households and a population of 21,031. The favorable warm conditions in the foothill region have created ideal natural advantages for the thriving development of forestry and fruit farming here. As the leading town in China’s mopan persimmon production and the only specialized mopan persimmon town in Beijing, Zhangfang boasts the largest cultivation area, the highest yield, and the best quality, serving as a microcosm of the industrialization achievements of China’s mopan persimmon hometown. Since 1998, it has been approved as a mopan persimmon production base by both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance. It has subsequently been designated by higher authorities as Beijing’s Specialized Mopan Persimmon Town, a standardized mopan persimmon production base, and an advanced agricultural standardization base in Fangshan District. Its persimmon products have been recognized as green food by the National Green Food Center and awarded the title of “China Famous Fruits” by the China Fruit Marketing Association.

　　According to the Beijing Fruit Tree Chronicles (Fangshan District), local legend in Dayigou Village says that persimmon trees were cultivated in the area during the Hongwu era (1368–1399) of the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhangfang can be regarded as the birthplace of mopan persimmons. After Emperor Zhu Di moved the capital to Beijing, Zhangfang mopan persimmons became a tribute fruit for the imperial court. To this day, a century-old tree garden remains in Dayigou Village, witnessing the changes of history and carrying the hopes of local persimmon farmers.

　　Zhangfang Town has a long and splendid cultural history. Historical records indicate that Zhangfang was established during the Jin Dynasty and functioned as a township-level administrative unit during the Jin Dynasty, known as Huaiyu Township of Fengxian County. With a rich historical legacy, it preserves numerous ancient relics, including eight district-level cultural heritage sites. The culture of the Song and Liao periods, highlighted by the excavation of the Zhangfang Ancient War Tunnels, evokes the distant sounds of war drums, weapons clashing, and recounts many moving stories of General Yang Liulang resisting the Liao invaders. According to Volume Three of the Fangshan County Chronicles (Ancient Relics), the Zhangfang Ancient War Tunnels were built during the Song and Liao period and remained in use through the Ming Dynasty. They are the only ancient military facility discovered in the Beijing area, possessing significant cultural and military value. In addition, the area features historical and cultural landmarks such as the Zhangfang Ancient City, ancient opera stage, cliff carvings from the Tang Dynasty, an octagonal five-tiered dense-eave stone pagoda from the Liao Dynasty, the ruins of the Zhongshan Temple originally built during the Han Dynasty, and the tomb of Huang Tinggui from the Qing Dynasty. There are also many historical legends associated with the area, including popular tales such as Mu Guiying’s Marriage Alliance and Emperor Qianlong’s Incognito Visits.

　　Zhangfang Town has a deep-rooted industrial and cultural heritage. According to the Fangshan County Chronicles compiled during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1573–1620): “Persimmons are the main produce of this region. From the northwest He Tao Gully to the southwest Zhangfang Gully, there is no village without persimmon trees. Among those sold to Beijing, those from Fangshan make up the majority.” After Emperor Zhu Di established the capital in Beijing, Zhangfang mopan persimmons were presented as tribute every year. Zhangfang Town has been named a mopan persimmon production base by both the National Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance, designated by the municipal government as the leading town for mopan persimmon development, and its fruit has been certified as safe for consumption by edible agriculture product inspection departments. It has been honored as “China Famous Fruits” by the China Fruit Marketing Association, and brands such as “Jingyu,” “Yugong,” and “Zhangfang” have been registered. In 2006, Zhangfang Town was approved as a National Agricultural Standardization Demonstration Zone by the National Standardization Management Committee. In 2007, Zhangfang mopan persimmons obtained “pollution-free” and “organic” food certifications and were approved as a Geographical Indication Protected Product by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China.