Loquats or pipa in Chinese (Photo/shine.cn)
Tangqi loquat
Tangqi is an ancient town in the north of the city, which was established 1,000 years ago.
The town took shape in the late Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), when Zhang Shicheng, a rebellion leader from the area, widened the Grand Canal that runs through the town.
Historic buildings from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing dynasties (1644-1911) can be found everywhere in town. And the Guangji Bridge, built in the 15th century, is the only seven-arch bridge on the Grand Canal. It is listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tangqi has been a nationally acclaimed production area of loquat for many years. The most expensive ones are called Baisha (white sand) which are sweeter in taste compared to others and have thinner skin, tighter and tenderer flesh.
The town has a total plantation area of 1 square kilometer with an average yearly yield of around 5,000 tons. But this year’s cold winter suggests the total harvest could be less.
Since 1999, the town has been holding an annual loquat festival during the May picking season. This year the festival started on May 15, and 27 local orchards and farms are offering loquat-picking activities for tourists.
The plant’s leaves are also used as an important ingredient in making loquat syrup.
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used for easing sore throats and coughs.
