Recently, a Thai delegation for improving the management and protection of important agricultural heritage systems visited Junzhuang Town in Mentougou District, Beijing. With a focus on studying the management and conservation of the “Mentougou Jingbai Pear Cultivation System”, the delegation hopes to gain insights into the development of characteristic agriculture and promote exchange and cooperation in related fields.

In Junzhuang Town, Thai workshop members gained detailed knowledge about the long history of Jingbai pear variety breeding and brand building, the traditional cultivation techniques in stone-terraced fields, and the mountain agriculture system that integrates mountains, water, forests, and farmlands. While enjoying the cool breeze under the pear trees, they learned about the folk custom of eating Jingbai Pears during the solar term of End of Heat and tasted deep-processed products like pear wine and dried pears. Immersed in the beautiful mountains and clear waters of Mentougou, the Thai friends were reluctant to leave and offered extravagant compliments.

The participants said that the visit was highly rewarding as they were able to witness firsthand the vivid practice of the concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”. Mentougou District has made remarkable achievements in protecting and systematically developing its characteristic agricultural product, the Jingbai pear, and has effectively explored and leveraged regional agricultural heritage. They hoped to bring these valuable experiences to their own country to further promote agricultural exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.

(Based on information from Mentougou District)