Zhaotong becomes key apple hub in southern China

In the mountainous region of Zhaotong, Yunnan province, a major shift in agriculture has turned the city into southern China’s largest apple production hub. With nearly 66,700 hectares of orchards and a harvest of 1.3 million metric tons last year, the apple industry has become a key driver of the local economy.

Zhaotong’s unique climate — high elevation, strong sunlight, and wide day-night temperature differences — makes it ideal for growing crisp, sweet apples.

Zhaoyang district, at the heart of the apple zone, hosts a 6,670-hectare high-density orchard using advanced growing methods and home to 118 apple varieties. Local farmers benefit through both wages and land lease income.

Zhaotong apples, marketed under names like “Zhaoyang Red,” are certified as green and organic, selling for 8 to 14 yuan ($1.10–$1.93) per kilogram. They are now available in upscale supermarkets and exported to countries including the UAE and Thailand. The region is also linking apple farming with tourism, offering orchard visits and fruit-picking experiences to grow a more diverse rural economy.

source: chinadaily.com.cn

photo: yunnanadventure.com