Plum blossoms flower across Xiuwen

Plum blossoms are blooming across the hillsides of Wugongqiao village in Xiuwen county, blanketing the landscape in white.

Plum blossoms in Wugongqiao village. [Photo/website of Xiuwen county]

Every March, when the flowers are in full bloom for about 10 days, they attract many tourists eager to enjoy the scenery with springtime outings.

This year, these blossoms coincide with the blooming of more than 1,000 mu (66.67 hectares) of rapeseed, with white-clad branches and golden-yellow fields complementing each other, creating an ideal spot for sightseeing and photography.

Rapeseed flowers bloom in a field. [Photo/website of Xiuwen county]

Wugongqiao plums, a pillar of the village's agricultural industry, are cultivated on more than 2,500 mu and characterized by thin skin, crisp flesh, and a delicate fragrance, making them a well-known local specialty in Xiuwen. More than 300 households are engaged in this industry, increasing their average annual income by 20,000 yuan ($2,900).

"Our village has been growing Wugongqiao plums for several decades, and is quite famous throughout Xiuwen county," said Wang Jun, a village representative. "The unique natural environment endows them with excellent taste and quality. Saping town has helped us apply for a national geographical indication trademark; therefore, we will continue to develop the plum industry, expand its scale, and build a stronger brand."

Plum blossoms hang on branches. [Photo/website of Xiuwen county]

"We will apply for more projects to develop the tourism industry and attract more tourists, and use under-forest space to develop characteristic industries, such as traditional Chinese medicinal materials and breeding, diversify our industries, and increase income for the people," said Wang.