Qilin bay's first fruit festival held in Hailing district

Against the backdrop of a bright and breezy stage, the opening ceremony  for the festival takes place. [Photo by Hailing district]

The first fruit festival in Qilin bay – in the Hailing district of Taizhou city, in East China's Jiangsu province – attracted hundreds of visitors on June 14, as the on-site market bustled with activity.

In order to expand sales channels for Qilin bay's fruit, representatives from supermarkets, supply and marketing cooperatives and local communities were invited to sign supply agreements.

In 2007, under the guidance of agricultural experts, farmers in Qilin bay began planting grapes, cucumbers, watermelons and passion fruit. Thanks to its great cultivation environment and excellent quality, the produce fast gained in popularity with the locals.

In recent years, the fruit industry in Qilin bay has been growing rapidly, with an increasing number of varieties now on offer. Juicy and sweet Cuiguan pears, white and yellow Baiyu loquats, crisp and sweet Yugu melons and attractive strawberries have all become hits, satisfying the evolving demand of consumers.

The fruit planting area in Qilin bay has currently reached over 4,000 mu (about 266.7 hectares), with more than 20 professional cooperative societies engaged in the cultivation. The value of annual sales has topped 60 million yuan ($8.38 million), providing employment opportunities and increasing the incomes of local farmers.

At the fruit market during the festival, over 10 growers from Qilin bay displayed their freshly harvested watermelons, sweet melons, cherry tomatoes, horned melons and peaches, which were quickly sold out after being snapped up by enthusiastic visitors.

"The booming sales scene has further boosted our confidence in fruit cultivation," said an excited grower.

Hungry visitors get ready to taste some juicy watermelons. [Photo by Hailing district]