The 2019 Jinshan Strawberry Festival, organized by Jinshan Agricultural Commission and Jinshan Tourism Bureau, was opened on January 12th at Health Strawberry Academy, Langxia Town. This Festival will last until the first half of March.

The best picking period for strawberries, the first half of January, had already started at this time in previous years. However, because of frequent rain in winter this year, strawberries have been extremely lacking in sunlight. Although now Jinshan strawberries can be picked and sold, they are not yet at their prime taste or supply level. It is estimated that this year’s picking peak will be towards the end of January, which is about 10 days later than last year.

(People buy Jinshan strawberries.)

The total planting area in the Jinshan district is up to 2000mu this year, and includes varieties such as Akihime, Benihoppe and Zuitianxian. The planting area of the Xinpinmei brand assurance system, which produces high quality strawberries, has increased to 513mu this year. If any planting garden breaks the rules of planting strawberries, or is complained about or reported by customers, this planting garden will be eliminated from the Xinpinmei brand system after customers’ reports have been proven.

Jinshan Strawberry was popular in Shanghai and, although it is expensive, the demand for them exceeds supply during every year’s picking period.

During the Strawberry Festival, organizers will launch a series of characteristic experience activities including strawberry competition, Lantern Festival Parent-child activities and one yuan sales. Organizers will invite urban families to go to the Health Strawberry Academy to attend the Lantern Festival Parent-child activities on February 16th, where they can experience making strawberry dumplings and desserts by themselves.

The Jinshan district government has also used the urban-rural linkage resources during the Strawberry Festival. Twenty-one Xinpinmei strawberry special counters have been set up in shopping centers and supermarkets including Xijiao Bailian Shopping Center, Shanghai First Food Chain Development Company, Yuexing Globle Harbor, Longzhimeng Shopping Mall and City Shop. Jinshan Agricultural Commission also recommended 23 Xinpinmei planting gardens in Jinshan, where people can experience the fun of picking strawberries and also enjoy the beautiful countryside.