Jiaji Village’s Pear Blossoms in Yunnan Attract Tourists From Across China as Rural Development Projects Develop
Each year, as the calendar flips to March, a magnificent transformation takes place in the quaint hamlets of Shaochong (哨冲) and Jiaji (加级寨) in Honghe Autonomous Prefecture. Pear blossoms in Yunnan are beginning to bloom.
Amidst the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, vast amounts of white pear blossoms begin to to take over the endless valleys right outside China’s mountainous cities. Located just a stone’s throw away from the historical city of Gejiu (个旧), often referred to as the world’s “Tin Capital,” Shaochong is blanketed in a white-speckling layer that draws both locals and international tourists.
The second week of March marks the beginning of this magical blooming period. Nearly 10,000 acres of pear trees adorning Jiaji Village’s Pear Blossom Valley take over the rolling red hills. Combined with the vibrant energy of art fairs and bustling market stalls in Shaochong, the region forms into a vibrant celebration of nature’s splendor.
Jiaji and Shaochong Village’s Tourism Uptick
As we stroll through, taking in the surrounding beauty around us, we catch up with a local official. Busy engaging with passerby, he happily shares with us some interesting facts about the special village. Shaochong is usually home to only 366 registered residents. But from March through April each year, it welcomes over 5,000 tourists per day. These numbers are continuing to grow as the area grows in popularity.
Chinese ayi’s in matching floral outfits are dancing to the beats of Douyin tunes. Young tourists line up to take photos alongside blooming pear blossoms to share on their WeChat (微信)and Little Red Book (小红书) accounts. Loud white tourist buses line up along the lone road to Shaochong. Hunting for space to park and unload eager tourists, they’ll be lucky to find a spot within an hour. Groups of local’s have parked by the roadside to enjoy a picturesque afternoon picnic. Other’s have put on their hanfu (traditional Chinese attire )while playing an intense game of Chinese chess or card games.
Beyond Pear Blossoms and Spring Flowers: A Glimpse into the Future of Shaochong
Conveniently located just 20 minutes outside Gejiu, Shaochong is not only a hotspot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. It has also become a prime example of China’s rural revitalization efforts. Shachong and nearby villages have all experienced a gradual development in the building of new infrastructure, teardown of worn-down buildings, and a cleanup of the surround environment. The local official and residents share with us that many of the younger generations are starting to return. Many are eager to escape the high-pressure lifestyle of the big cities and to partake in the home village’s redevelopment. Changes are definitely visible and felt in the bustling hamlet.
Once a checkpoint during the reign of Emperor Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty, Shaochong has developed into a tourism agriculture hub. Charming bed-and-breakfasts, trendy art galleries, and delectable restaurants can be seen sprouting up throughout.
After viewing some of the beautiful pear blossoms nearby, we head over to the art museum of local tin-crafstman Lai Qingguo (赖庆国). Waju Art Exhibition Center (洼居美术馆) is an artsy site engulfed behind towering cement walls. It has also become a prime destination for visitors visiting Shaochong anxious to meet the tin master. With a variety of different art galleries, tranquil scenic spots to drink tea, and endless rooms of tin crafts, the Waju Art Exhibiton Center has become a weekend getaway.
Pear blossoms in southwest Yunnan, especially in Shaochong and Jiaji Village will remain timeless allures. However, Shachong’s future is the new topic of conversation. With the region’s development and slew of incoming projects launching within the next couple years, tourists will soon find March pear blossoms won’t remain the lone reason to visit the beautiful countryside escape.
Photography: Anson Zong-Liscum and Huyan Hong
