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Festival celebrates wonderful watermelons
By Li Jin (Beijing Weekend)
Updated: 2004-05-21 10:29
Daxing, the nearest district downtown Beijing, made suburban name through its its annual watermelon festival.
In contract to the north subruban districts and counties like Miyun, Huairou and Yanqing, all of which enjoy forest-covered moutains, lakes, reservoirs and summer resorts, Daxing's singly flat terrain leaves it lacking ideal travel destinations.
In response, the local government tried to develop different tourism attractions in recent years by looking at what is hidden behind the seemingly dull terrain.
Apart from watermelon festival, a flower appreciation festival in spring and fruit-picking events in autumn also increasingly attract people from downtown. A number of entertainment sites such as Beijing Wildlife Park and a new rodeo are amongst the latest alternatives for Beijingers.
here's a selected rundown of some of Daxing's hottest happenings every year.
Watermelon festival
Picking watermelons is part of the fun of the festival. |
This year's watermelon festival will take place in the town of Daxing from May 28 to June 1.
The festival centres on local farmers from Daxing bringing high-quality watermelons to local fruit markets and lots of celebrations.
Daxing hopes to use the festival to promote the development of the local economy.
During the watermelon festival, many evening parties and theatrical performances will be held.
The opening ceremony will begin at the square before the new China Watermelon Museum at 9:30 am on May 28.
The museum is the first of its kind in China and will open to the public after the opening ceremony.
Mulberry trees offer a fruity alternative. |
More than 170 different species of watermelons are on display there. Information and displays on high-tech watermelon products and planting processes as well as picture exhibitions will be added attractions.
After visiting the museum, watermelon picking in local farmers' fields is offered to visitors.
A watermelon competition will be also held from May 25 to 26. Farmers from across China will take their watermelons to contest. Weight and colour are taken into consideration. The top watermelon will be auctioned after the competition.
Last year a watermelon weighing 120 kg was auctioned at 1 million yuan (US$120,482).
The competition and auction site is the model watermelon field in Panggezhuang Village.
A watermelon eating contest is another unusual attraction during the festival. The person who gobbles the most, fast wins. Prizes are up for grats.
It is also possible to pick up grapes. |
If all that watermelon makes you feel sick, try a different fruit. A mulberry fruit-picking festival is to be held on May 25 at Anding Village, a place boasting 2,410 hectares of mulberry fields. Mulberry trees more than 200 years old still grow here. Local legend has it that the field there was the only place to offer mulberry fruit to the imperial families of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). A party will be held on the so-called "White House Lawn," located at the centre of the mulberry field.
A resort has been built near the lawn and a small stream flows into the mulberry field. An agricultural products sales fair will be held at Huangcun Town from May 28 to June 1.
A photography competition will begin late this month and run until December.
A farmers' family food cooking TV contest will be held on May 31 at Lihua Villa (Pear flower Villa).
In addition investment fairs and exhibitions will be held during the festival.
For more information, contact 6129-8640 or 6129-8642 (both Chinese only).
Beijing Wildlife Park
An American-style rodeo is a new attraction. |
Located at Yufa Town of Daxing District, Beijing Wildlife Park is a travel must after picking fruit nearby.
The park is a new attraction located approximately 40 minutes by car from the centre of town (depending on the traffic).
The statistics of the park are impressive. It covers a total of 670 hectares. There are 300 collaborators, including 24 experts who ensure the well-being of the animals and the comfort and pleasure of the visitors. The animal park comprises over 200 species from around the world that enjoy a superior environment, facilities, care and attention in a setting claimed to be similar to their natural habitat.
The park has an impressive entrance. A small electric pullcart is available to take you to any part of the park at the cost of 5 yuan (60 cents).
The animal show includes elephants, golden monkeys and various birds.
After the show, it takes only two minutes to reach the bus for the 30 minute-trip around the areas where you will see animals in the wild, including lions, wolves, African hunting dogs, tigers, bears, baboons, wild boars and gazelle.
In the bird enclosure you can take pictures with colourful parrots or marvel at their talents. You will also be able to see many birds that are facing extinction. A special tropical bird exhibition is arranged in the centre, which includes an area where you can feed and talk to the birds around you.
Cost for entry to the park: Adult 85 yuan (US$10); children and seniors: 55 yuan (US$7)
Tel: 8921-7544, 96285360 (Chinese only)
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