(KPL) Hongyan Village, Gongcheng Yao Autonomous County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

Gongcheng Yao Autonomous County in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, boasts a rich history of persimmon cultivation, a tradition that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Wanli, Gongcheng Yao began importing persimmon trees from Xiuning in Fujian Province, establishing the region's first orchards and producing persimmon cakes. Thanks to ideal natural conditions and generations of cultivation, Gongcheng Yao has become renowned for its “moon fruit” trees—an affectionate local term for the persimmon trees that now define the landscape and identity of the region.

One of the most popular destinations for experiencing this persimmon culture is Hongyan Village, considered the birthplace of the “moon fruit.” Here, visitors can walk through rows of persimmon trees lining the village roads, where the fruit hangs in clusters, creating a picturesque “waterfall” effect that draws photographers and tourists alike, especially during harvest season. The village has capitalized on its agricultural heritage by offering roadside stalls selling local specialties like fresh persimmons and persimmon cakes, alongside accommodations and restaurants that cater to the influx of visitors.

Gongcheng Yao’s fruit industry thrives on a solid economic foundation. With 16,000 hectares dedicated to fruit cultivation, the region produces an impressive 870,000 tons annually, generating over 7 billion yuan in revenue. Its persimmons and related products have garnered national recognition, establishing Gongcheng Yao as a valuable Chinese brand worth more than 6 billion yuan. The fruit industry here is deeply integrated, spanning from cultivation and production to distribution and tourism, ensuring a robust supply chain that benefits both local agriculture and the economy.

Looking to the future, Gongcheng Yao is focused on expanding its agricultural reach with goals to produce 1.5 million tons of fruit by 2026, increasing the total production value to 12 billion yuan. To support this, the district is developing a smart product circulation system and advanced warehousing, building on its existing strengths in the combined “Agriculture + Tourism” model.

Since 2018, this development model has shown its effectiveness. Annual fruit production in Gongcheng Yao has reached nearly 500,000 tons, with a production value of 580 million yuan, significantly boosting the income of local residents to an average of 20,000 yuan per year. Tourism has flourished alongside agriculture, exemplifying President Xi Jinping’s vision that “Green Mountains are Golden Mountains”—and for Gongcheng Yao, the persimmon is indeed a “Golden Fruit” that continues to sustain both culture and commerce in the region.

KPL