Three agricultural heritage systems from China—the Ancient Pear Garden System in Shichuan, Gaolan County, Gansu Province; the Freshwater Pearl-Aquaculture Integrated System in Deqing, Zhejiang Province; and the Fuding White Tea Cultural System in Fujian Province—have been officially designated as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) following expert review. With these additions, China now boasts 25 GIAHS sites, maintaining its position as the country with the most such heritage systems worldwide.

1. Ancient Pear Garden System in Shichuan, Gaolan County, Gansu Province

Located in Shichuan Town, Gaolan County, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, this system showcases centuries-old agricultural practices. Local communities have preserved unique techniques such as:

“Sky Work” : Traditional aerial techniques involving elevated work platforms and high-pole branch training for pear tree maintenance.

Eco-Friendly Pest Control: Methods like flower shaking to deter insects and tobacco-juice-based natural pesticides.

Integrated Agroecology: Mixed cropping-livestock systems, water-driven fertilization in courtyard gardens, and traditional cellar storage for fruit preservation.

2. Freshwater Pearl-Aquaculture Integrated System in Deqing, Zhejiang Province

Centered in Deqing County, Zhejiang, this system is built on the symbiotic relationship between fish and mussels, utilizing locally developed nucleated pearl cultivation technology. It has evolved into a complex aquatic ecosystem supporting diverse species, including:

Mussels and Fish: Mutually beneficial cohabitation.

Plankton, Benthic Organisms, and Aquatic Plants: A self-sustaining biodiversity network.

3. Fuding White Tea Cultural System in Fujian Province

Nestled in Fuding City, Fujian, this system thrives on the region’s unique geography, climate, and millennia-old tea culture. Key features include:

Endemic Tea Varieties: Nationally recognized cultivars such as Fuding Dabai (Large White Tea) and Fuding Dahao (Large Bud Tea), preserved through traditional sexual propagation methods.

Eco-Conscious Cultivation: Terraced tea gardens that enhance resource efficiency and pest management through ecological planting and multilayered landscapes.

Cultural Legacy: Artisanal tea-processing skills and profound cultural traditions tied to white tea production.

Significance:
These designations highlight China’s commitment to preserving agricultural biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and sustainable practices. By integrating ancient wisdom with modern ecological principles, these systems exemplify resilience and innovation in global agriculture.

Source: FAO Announcement and Chinese Agricultural Heritage Documentation.