Fengdu’s Mulberry Industry Blooms: Ecological Gains Translate to Rural Prosperity in Chongqing

Chongqing, April 24 — As spring unfolds, the Three Gorges Purple Mulberry Picking Garden in Fengdu County, nestled along the Yangtze River, enters its harvest season. Ripe mulberries hang heavy on the branches, drawing streams of visitors who enjoy picking the fruit and embracing rural leisure amid lush landscapes.

Leveraging the favourable climate and fertile soil along the Yangtze, Fengdu has developed a mulberry plantation base spanning over 6,000 mu (approximately 400 hectares) in recent years. Local authorities have pioneered an integrated model of “mulberry cultivation + processing + rural tourism”, transforming a small agricultural product into a thriving industry. This approach effectively converts the ecological dividends of the Yangtze River into tangible income growth for local residents.

The garden has become a popular destination for family outings and educational tours. Visitors, including schoolchildren, engage in hands-on picking experiences, blending leisure with knowledge of agricultural ecology. Beyond fresh fruit, the site produces value-added products such as mulberry wine and dried mulberries, extending the industrial chain and boosting economic returns.

Fengdu’s mulberry sector forms part of the broader “Two Mountains, Thousand-Li Forest Belt” ecological initiative in Chongqing. By combining environmental protection with sustainable agriculture, the county advances rural revitalisation while preserving the Yangtze River’s ecological integrity. The development model underscores how ecological conservation and economic growth can go hand in hand, delivering both green scenery and shared prosperity.

Xinhua News Agency reports that Fengdu will continue to optimise its mulberry industry, enhance product branding, and expand rural tourism offerings. The aim is to build a distinctive regional industry that not only enriches local communities but also sets an example for ecological and economic synergy in the Yangtze River Basin.