The towering and sprawling Qinling Mountains have long been a geographical and climate divide between north and south China, and a natural green swathe of abundance for Xi'an, capital city of Shaanxi Province. The growth of distinctive fruits, once only enjoyed as local specialties hidden in the mountain wilderness, has today developed into a strategic industry that brings local people economic and environmental benefits. This boost to rural revitalization embodies the ecological value of the Qinling Mountains. 

Photo by Hao Zhongyu.

Photo courtesy of Lantian County.

Apricot Fragrance 

When summer arrives in Huaxu Town, Lantian County, the fragrance of ripening apricots fills the air as the hundreds of acres of apricot trees display their abundance. They form a delightful contrast against the rolling green mountains and open wilderness. As a premium signature produce of the Qinling Mountains, Lantian apricots carry the legacy of millennia-old agricultural heritage. 

Photo by Lantian News.

Lantian County boasts a suitable altitude, deep soil rich in organic matter, and mild climate on the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains — all combining to create exceptionally favorable natural conditions for apricot cultivation.  

The apricots are large and uniformly sized, with golden glossy skin and fine, tender flesh. They are low in fiber, exceptionally juicy, and carry a rich, mellow sweetness.  

After years of cultivation and development, the planting scale of Lantian apricots has expanded steadily. The marketing season runs from late May to July, securing a distinct market advantage by avoiding peak supply windows for similar fruits. 

By adopting pollution-free planting methods and scientific field management, Lantian apricots have won the certification of National Geographical Indication (GI) Product. They are now the "fruit of prosperity" that drives local income growth. 

Peachy Production 

Wangmang Sub-District in Chang'an District is located at the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains. Its unique geography found between mountains and waters, abundant sunlight, and favorable day-night temperature differences are ideal for the Wangmang peaches that thrive here.  

Local peaches have won great favor among consumers for their distinctive taste: thin skin, thick flesh, crisp juiciness, and rich, sweet aroma. They have obtained organic food certification and registered as a national agro-product geographical indication product. The region grows multiple high-quality varieties of early, medium, and late maturity, and has established a staggered supply system to meet market demand at different periods of the year. 

Photo courtesy of Wangmang Sub-District. 

Peach farmers in Wangmang strictly abide by local ecological protection regulations and implement standardized, eco-friendly planting models, preserving the natural flavor and aroma of the fruit. Their peaches have successfully expanded beyond this area to reach a wider public, serving as an example of high-quality ecological agriculture development on the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains.

Going for Grapes 

With superior natural resources and ecological conditions of the Qinling Mountains, Huyi District has dedicated itself to developing specialty agriculture. It was selected as one of the first counties (districts) for cultivating a complete industrial chain of modern agriculture in Shaanxi Province, and has built a grape brand widely recognized across the province.  

The lower area of the Qinling Mountains in southern Huyi District features abundant sunlight and ideal soil and water conditions, which form the perfect setting to grow grapes. For years, this area has prioritized ecological protection and green development, and implemented standardized planting and efficient management. The grapes cultivated here are known for their firm flesh, rich fruity aroma, and consistently premium quality. 

Photo courtesy of Huyi Convergence Media Center.

Grape growing has now become a specialty sector defined by standardization, branding, and industrialization. It not only elevates the reputation of Huyi's ecological agriculture, but also injects continuous green momentum into rural revitalization.  

Photo courtesy of Huyi Convergence Media Center. 

Path to Common Prosperity 

The transformation of Qinling’s fruit sector is a vivid epitome of the mutually beneficial relationship between ecological protection and industrial development in regions around Qinling.  

For years, Xi'an has strictly adhered to the ecological redline and promoted green transformation. Upholding the development philosophy of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets", it has reinforced the green barrier of the Qinling Mountains, explored specialty agricultural resources based on local conditions, and standardized industrial development models. 

Photo by Wang Jian. 

Heading into the future, Xi'an will continue to deepen ecological empowerment, preserve the natural beauty of the Qinling Mountains, and fully leverage its ecological resources. It will also ensure the fruits of ecological protection benefit people's livelihoods, creating pristine ecology, thriving industries, and prosperous communities.  

YE JING works at Xi'an Qinling Ecological Environment Protection Bureau.