Mulberry Harvest Paves “Sweet Path” for Rural Revitalization in Rushan

WEIHAI, China, Jun. 12, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

Another mulberry season arrives, filling the air with sweet, fruity aromas that draw visitors to Songjiazhuang Village in Wuji Town, Rushan. The mulberry orchard welcomes its annual harvest and picking season. Inside the grove, rows of mulberry trees are laden with plump, purple-red berries, their rich fragrance tempting all who pass by. Tourists wander among the trees, eagerly plucking fresh mulberries, baskets brimming with nature’s sweet bounty.

The mulberry orchard in Wuji Town, Rushan City, is renowned for its high-quality mulberries, attracting numerous visitors each year for a genuine agritourism experience. Many praise the fruit’s exceptional sweetness and delightful flavor, calling it a rare delicacy.

“Our mulberry varieties are of superior quality, rich in vitamins, minerals, and particularly selenium-rich properties beneficial to human health. This year’s crop boasts both superior taste and yield, with harvest window extending through late June,” explained Song Yonggang, the orchard manager.

Beyond fresh-picked mulberries, the orchard diversifies its offerings with value-added products from sundried mulberries, artisanal mulberry leaf tea, and small-batch berry wines. These offerings allow visitors to take home a taste of this “sweetness” after their picking adventure. Furthermore, the orchard also features a dedicated dining area, where visitors can enjoy traditional farm-style meals, immersing themselves in the rustic charm and warm hospitality of rural life.

The mulberry orchard’s growth has not only provided a delightful recreational spot for tourists but also brought significant economic gains to Songjiazhuang Village. By transforming natural agricultural resources into profitable ventures, it has paved a unique path for specialty agriculture to fuel rural revitalization. “The plantation has transformed our community over the past few years. It has increased our income and brought more visitors to the village. We’ve all benefited from the boom,” said local villager Song Xiuzi.

In recent years, Rushan City has capitalized on its rich resources to innovate and expand specialty agriculture. By fostering industries such as mulberries, blueberries, and strawberries, the city has developed integrated agricultural parks that blend picking, sightseeing, leisure, and immersive experiences. These hubs have significantly boosted local farmers’ incomes, driving powerful momentum for rural revitalization across the region.

Source: Information Office of Rushan Municipal People’s Government