Changping Strawberries

Changping Strawberries

Changping Strawberries are a protected geographical indication product.

Changping Strawberries are an agricultural geographical indication product.

　　  Changping Strawberries, a specialty of Changping District in Beijing, are a China National Geographic Indication product. Located within the internationally recognized optimal belt for strawberry production, Changping District boasts superior growing conditions and outstanding product quality, earning widespread acclaim in surrounding provinces and regions, as well as exports to places such as Hong Kong and Singapore.

　　  Changping enjoys superior natural conditions for strawberry production. The district lies at 40 degrees north latitude, an internationally acknowledged prime zone for strawberry cultivation. It features a warm temperate continental semi-humid and semi-arid monsoon climate, with distinct seasons throughout the year. The area receives an average of 2,684 hours of sunshine annually, has an average temperature of 11.7°C, a frost-free period of around 200 days, and average annual precipitation of 550–600 mm—meeting all key climatic requirements for strawberry growth. The strawberry-growing region of Changping is situated in a pre-mountain warm belt, where significant day-night temperature variations and ample sunlight during the growing season promote sugar accumulation and flavor development. With clean air—70% of days annually rated as Class I or II air quality—and water sourced from the Yanshan Maifan stone aquifers that is pure and unpolluted, supplemented by the passing of the Beijing-Miyun Water Channel, the area benefits from excellent water resources. The soil is slightly acidic sandy loam, offering good permeability. These superior natural endowments form the foundation for producing high-quality agricultural products. Changping’s natural conditions are highly conducive to strawberry cultivation, ensuring premium fruit quality.

　　  Changping also holds a technological edge in strawberry production. As the national center for science and technology, Beijing provides abundant resources. Notably, the National Strawberry Germplasm Repository, located at the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, houses over 400 strawberry varieties, representing a valuable asset for industry development. In recent years, Changping District has strengthened collaboration with foreign companies and research institutions, leading the nation in seedling propagation, soil treatment, pest and disease control, continuous cropping obstacle mitigation, and standardized management—establishing clear technological advantages. In 2006, Changping Strawberries passed the assessment for “National Agricultural Standardization Demonstration Zone.”

　　  Beijing Tianyi Bioengineering Co., Ltd., a leading enterprise in the Changping strawberry industry, provides comprehensive services to farmers, including pre-production seedling supply, mid-production technical guidance, and post-production product procurement. The local government implements a distribution policy for necessary materials, fertilizers, and pesticides used in strawberry cultivation, supplemented by financial subsidies, thereby effectively managing scattered household production. All fertilizers used in Changping strawberries are organic, and pesticides are low-toxicity, low-residue biological and mineral-based options. Nearly 2,000 solar greenhouses in the Changping strawberry industry are equipped with electric roller blinds, and drip irrigation systems ensure optimal watering—creating excellent growing conditions for the strawberries.

　　  In 2010, the strawberry cultivation area in Changping District expanded to 4,500 mu (approximately 300 hectares), encompassing nearly 2,000 solar greenhouses. The annual strawberry yield reached 2.5 million kilograms, generating an additional income of 40 million yuan for local farmers, accounting for two-thirds of Beijing’s total strawberry area and production. All Changping strawberries meet pollution-free standards, with some even achieving green or organic certifications, making them highly favored by Beijing residents. Statistics show that 15% of Changping’s strawberry output is sold through pick-your-own channels, priced between 30 and 80 yuan per 500 grams; 80% is sold via group purchases (as gifts or corporate benefits), priced between 15 and 30 yuan per 500 grams; and 5% is processed into products such as jams and juices for market supply. Some are even exported to places like Hong Kong and Singapore.

　　  In January 2007, the first China Strawberry Culture Festival was held in Changping. In March 2009, the World Strawberry Congress, the sixth National Strawberry Congress, and the fourth China Strawberry Culture Festival all took place in Changping, providing a broad platform for market expansion.

　　  Geographical Scope

　　  Changping is a district of Beijing, located in the northwestern part of the city and often referred to as Beijing’s backyard garden. The protected geographical indication area for strawberries extends from the Beijing-Miyun Water Channel in the north to the Wenyu River in the south, the Dongsha River in the west, and the boundary with Shunyi District in the east. It includes parts of six towns: Xingshou, Cuicun, Xiaotangshan, Baishan, Nanshao, and Shahe. The geographical coordinates are longitude 115°50′17″ to 116°29′49″ and latitude 40°2′18″ to 40°23′13″.