Tongzhou Big Cherries

Tongzhou Big Cherries

Tongzhou Big Cherries are a Geographical Indication Agricultural Product.

　　An ancient and important city, a hub of water transport through six dynasties. History has nurtured the naturally gifted land and waters of Tongzhou.

　　Tongzhou Big Cherries are grown in the alluvial plains of the Yongding River and Chaobai River, irrigated with millennia-old canal water, and meticulously cultivated using advanced techniques—plump, round, and brilliantly red.

　　In 2011, Tongzhou Big Cherries were officially approved by the National Ministry of Agriculture as a national-level geographical indication !

　　Tongzhou Big Cherries now carry deeper geographical and cultural significance, truly becoming a beautiful calling card for Tongzhou to present to the nation and the world. They represent Tongzhou’s outstanding achievements in building a modern urban agriculture and symbolize that this modern international new city is steadily advancing toward becoming a world-renowned green and livable metropolis !

　　As the saying goes: “Cherries are delicious, but the trees are hard to grow.” Historical local chronicles in the Tongzhou area contain no records of cherry cultivation. Cherry planting was extremely rare among locals. Around 1976, a small orchard with cherry trees was established in Beixindian Village, Nanyijia Sub-farm, Yongledian Farm, marking the beginning of cherry cultivation on a larger scale. After the 1990s, under the leadership of Tongzhou District authorities and with strong support from municipal and

　　district-level departments, fruit farmers—taking advantage of Tongzhou’s superior geographic location, pleasant ecological environment, abundant land resources, convenient transportation, rich cultural heritage, and prominent regional strategic position—vigorously developed cherry cultivation, gradually moving toward industrialization. Currently, the total cherry planting area in the district exceeds 20,000 mu, with an annual yield of 1.35 million kilograms and an output value of 65 million yuan. There are 120 picking gardens and over 2,000 practitioners involved. The district cultivates more than 20 varieties, with main varieties including Hongdeng, Bula, Hongyan, Zaodaguo, Meizao, Xianfeng, Italia Early Red, and Rainier—over 10 major types. The ripening period extends from late April when greenhouse cherries mature until the end of June. The main planting focus is in Xiji Town, with small amounts also planted in Zhangjiawan, Lucheng, Songzhuang, and Yongledian. Xiji Town, as a specialized cherry town, and Shagudui, as a specialized cherry village, have gained considerable fame; and cherry brands such as “Tongzhou Big Cherries” and “Jiaojiao” have been registered. In recent years, the cherries have won a total of 17 gold awards and 38 silver awards in national and municipal competitions.

　　With the development of Tongzhou as a modern international new city, “Tongzhou Big Cherries” have also embraced new opportunities for growth. Establishing the Tongzhou Big Cherry brand and shaping the image of Tongzhou as an ecological, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly city, Tongzhou Big Cherries have become a national-level geographical indication. As a brand-new calling card for Tongzhou, they showcase the culture and vitality of this ancient city to the world.

　　Geographic Scope

　　Tongzhou District is located in the southeastern part of Beijing, at the northern end of the Grand Canal. It lies at the center of the junction between Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. Its geographical coordinates are 116°32′00″ to 116°56′00″ east longitude and 39°36′00″ to 40°02′00″ north latitude. It spans 36.5 kilometers from east to west and 48 kilometers from north to south, covering an area of 912.34 square kilometers, with an average elevation of 20 meters. The planting area of “Tongzhou Big Cherries” is approximately 665 hectares, yielding 500,000 kilograms of fresh fruit annually. They are mainly distributed in villages such as Shagudui, Rulin, Gongjidian, Langdong, Xiaoxinzhuang, and Laoguanhu in Xiji Town, as well as in towns along the North Canal such as Lucheng Town and Zhangjiawan Town.