Chongqing - "In the thousand-year-old Bayang Town, May is the season for loquat." On April 29, the Chongqing Yunyang Rural Revitalization and Industrial Development Forum and the 15th Bayang Loquat Festival of Yunyang County in Chongqing were held.
The Consul Generals in Chongqing and officials from the United Kingdom, the Philippines, Japan, Hungary, Canada, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and representatives of Hong Kong institutions in Chongqing attended the opening ceremony.
The opening ceremony of the 15th Bayang Loquat Festival of Yunyang County in Chongqing. (iChongqing/Deng Yan)
Advancing rural revitalization
At the opening ceremony, Chongqing Nonggao Group, which aims to boost rural industry, and the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Chongqing Municipality signed an agreement to use Bayang loquat and other agricultural products as gifts for Chongqing's official designated foreign affairs activities.
In addition, Yunyang County Agricultural and Rural Committee and Southwest University Rural Revitalization Strategy Research Institute signed an agreement on the agricultural science and technology park project.
At the event site, the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Affairs awarded the certificate of "National Famous, Special and Excellent New Agricultural Products" to the loquat of Bayang Town.
It is understood that Bayang Town, Yunyang County, is close to the Yangtze River. The unique climatic and soil conditions give birth to golden, orange, clear, sweet, and delicious loquats.
At present, more than 10,000 mu (667 hectares) of loquats are planted in the town, which is known as the "Hometown of Loquats." Loquats have become an important pillar for local farmers to increase their income. The "loquat economy" has become a new engine for Bayang Town to drive rural tourism and revitalization development.
The villagers are selling loquats along the streets. (iChongqing/Deng Yan)
"I heard from my friends that Yunyang loquats are bigger and sweeter. I was fortunate to taste them today," said Flerida Ann Camille P. Mayo, Consul General of the Philippines in Chongqing. And she was very happy to learn that the loquats from Bayang Town had been sold to the Philippines, and she hoped that both sides could further exchange culture, food, and logistics.
After the opening ceremony, officials and representatives paid a visit to the smart agricultural park and loquat sales center, learned the specific routes and policies for Bayang Town to consolidate poverty alleviation achievements, and develop rural industries.
The view of the smart plantation. (iChongqing/ Deng Yan)
Experience splendid landscape and cultural heritage
On April 28, the day before the 15th Bayang Loquat Festival, consul generals and representatives visited the Longgang Geological Park. This national geological park abounds with karst sinkholes and valleys in Yunyang county.
Consul Generals and representatives went sightseeing on a transparent cantilever bridge in Longgang Geological Park. (iChongqing/Deng Yan)
Takada Mari, Consul General of Japan in Chongqing, experienced the thrilling motor driving project. (iChongqing/Deng Yan)
At night, consul generals and representatives watched a fountain light show, "the impression of the Three Kingdoms," and Zhang Fei Temple, an ancient renowned hero who lived in the Three Kingdoms period (220-280), at the Panlong Street of Yunayng County.
The stunning light show, "the impression of the Three Kingdoms." (iChongqing/ Deng Yan)
"Great to see"
Stephen Ellison, the Consul General of the UK in Chongqing, shared his feeling about the rural revitalization in Chongqing and what impressed him most after two days of experience in Yunyang County.