The Huangyan Orange Festival begins in Huangyan district, Taizhou, Zhejiang province, on Nov 16. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

The Huangyan Orange Festival was inaugurated at the China Citrus Expo Park in Huangyan district, Taizhou, Zhejiang province, on Nov 16.

The event highlighted the accomplishments of the China Huangyan Orange Germplasm Source Research Center through various activities, including the selection of high-quality oranges, a technological achievements exhibition, and a Zhejiang local specialty exhibition.

Huangyan, known as the "Hometown of Chinese Mandarin Oranges", is a hub and historical center for the global orange industry. Leveraging the China Huangyan Orange Germplasm Source Research Center, the district has introduced leading domestic research teams and breeding enterprises to develop new varieties.

Currently, with over 180 citrus varieties and 10 main cultivated types, the district has achieved stable yields, with a total value reaching 2 billion yuan ($276.10 million) and providing employment for 32,000 individuals.

The Huangyan Orange Festival will also feature activities such as boutique picking tours, cultural events, and immersive tours, contributing to the integrated development of agriculture and cultural tourism.