Tuanshan Orange Grove

　　 Yuanjiang’s Tuanshan is a well-known southern orange-producing area by Dongting Lake. The township covers over 14,000 acres, with orange groves alone exceeding 10,000 acres — a genuinely authentic southern orange homeland. The local farmers have a long history of growing oranges, and the variety they cultivate is unique: the lantern-shaped southern orange. These oranges have smooth skin, a bright red hue, high sweetness, and excellent flavor. Especially in autumn, when the fruits ripen and turn red, the scenery of the orange groves becomes particularly enchanting.

　　 From afar, you see flecks of red dotting the vast green landscape; up close, every tree hangs with crimson lanterns. Ten miles of orange groves, ten miles of scenery — every view is simply intoxicating. Thus, the Tuanshan Orange Grove in autumn is the most dazzling highlight along the southern shores of Dongting Lake.  The Tuanshan farmers who live within the orange groves have homes surrounded by these trees all year round. With evergreen foliage and fresh air, it's especially delightful in spring when the breeze carries the fragrance of blooming orange blossoms. Each orange tree is adorned with countless white flower buds ready to burst open. When the wind blows gently, the sweet scent wafts through the air. At such moments, if visitors stroll along the grove paths, the fragrance is overwhelming, refreshing the heart and soul — a rare and exquisite experience. By the time they leave the grove, their clothes are infused with the lingering floral aroma.

　　 The southern orange is a treasure in itself. The fruits can be eaten fresh, processed into orange juice or canned orange slices, or made into dried orange cakes. The peel, when chopped, can serve as a food flavoring; when dried, it also makes an excellent traditional Chinese medicine for soothing nerves, improving circulation, regulating qi, and dispelling dampness. In the past, the southern orange was the premier fruit served to guests by the people of Yuanjiang. But with advances in technology, the local orange growers have introduced scientific methods to their groves. They’ve improved the southern orange variety, introduced honey oranges, and worked on cultivation techniques to reduce acidity and seeds. By using high bud grafting methods to introduce new superior varieties, they’ve transformed the grove’s varietal structure — breathing new life into old orchards and revitalizing the glory of the Dongting orange region.

　　 Visiting the orange groves in spring and autumn allows you to reconnect with nature and enjoy its beauty. But if you take the time to visit the homes and schools within the groves, and ask questions, you’ll gain even more insight. There is a Tuanshan Middle School in the grove. In the past, students from farming families had to walk long distances to attend classes. As the farmers’ incomes rose, their children began riding bicycles to school. The school has expanded its bicycle parking area repeatedly to accommodate them. In the mornings, the school gates are filled with the spinning of silver wheels and the crisp ringing of bells, with three or four hundred bikes spread across the campus. Through the bike shelters, visitors can witness the tremendous changes in the lives of these orange-growing families.