Yunyang county: From the misty mountains of Yunyang County, a truck loaded with freshly processed chrysanthemums set off along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. The cargo was bound for Southeast Asian countries, where the blooms would soon be turned into fragrant herbal teas.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the once relatively unknown Three Gorges Yang Ju chrysanthemum brand, developed by Yunyang Yunshan Agricultural Development Co., Ltd., has transformed from a local specialty into a sought-after export product that now reaches markets in Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe.
Back in the flower's hometown, the ecological park of Three Gorges Yang Ju is blanketed with fragrant blossoms in late autumn. Local villagers, equipped with bamboo baskets, harvest the chrysanthemums, while visitors enjoy tea tastings and engage in flower-picking experiences among over a thousand potted varieties. Though modest in size, the chrysanthemums have become the first agricultural product from southwest China's Chongqing Municipality to be exported under the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity.
Yang Xuemei, general manager of Yunyang Yunshan and the founder of Three Gorges Yang Ju, emphasized the importance of quality and standards for agricultural exports. The company has developed four product series, processing over 2,000 tonnes of dried flowers annually. Its products have earned organic certifications from China, the European Union, the United States, and Japan, as well as protected eco-origin product status by China and U.S. FDA certifications.
The journey began in humble fashion when Yang, previously a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, returned to her hometown in 2007 to promote chrysanthemum cultivation. Initially met with skepticism from villagers who favored planting grains, the fledgling industry faced challenges due to a lack of local varieties and advanced techniques. Yang's team dedicated themselves to research, engaging with institutes such as the Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica and Nanjing Agricultural University, and inviting experts from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences for guidance.
Through extensive field trials, they eventually developed the high-mountain organic chrysanthemum known as Three Gorges Yang Ju. The flower quickly gained a reputation abroad for being disease-resistant, high-yielding, and popular among overseas consumers.
As profits grew, more villagers became involved in the business. However, inconsistent planting methods initially resulted in varying quality. Zhang Chao, the company's technical director, highlighted the need for standardized cultivation. The company organized expert training for large growers and skilled farmers in various townships, and farms now adhere to organic practices, banning chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Over 10,000 mu (about 670 hectares) of land are under standardized cultivation.
In 2014, the flower began its voyage overseas. The company's export operations have grown, with direct exports reaching 500,000 yuan (about 70,596.5 U.S. dollars) and indirect exports through trade partners hitting 6 million yuan. Moreover, the company is expanding its product portfolio to include chrysanthemum wine, pastries, cosmetics, and pillows, bringing more local products to global consumers.
Today, Yunyang County boasts a chrysanthemum planting area of 45,000 mu, benefiting more than 18,000 farming households. In 2024, local farmers produced 13,000 tonnes of fresh chrysanthemums, with total output value reaching 150 million yuan. Meanwhile, Yunyang is advancing trade facilitation measures, integrating domestic and foreign trade systems, and local authorities have set up a "green channel" for exporters, offering priority customs clearance, inspection, and certification services.