Sanya's durian orchards are gearing up for their upcoming harvest, with the first batch expected to ripen by late June.
At the Youqi Hornbill Durian Base in the Yucai Ecological Zone, workers are carefully tending to trees laden with durians - some as large as volleyballs, others still the size of fists.
"This year, about 5,000 mu (333 hectares) of our 14,000-mu plantation have borne fruit, with an estimated yield of 2,000 metric tons," said Lang Haibo, deputy general manager of Hainan Hongxiang Agriculture Group. Early tests show promising quality, with golden, creamy flesh that rivals imported varieties. In a bold experiment, around 200 trees were cultivated for off-season fruiting, yielding equally delicious results.
Nearby, Wanbao Agriculture's 1,000-mu durian farm is also thriving, with 200 mu set for harvest in August and September. Thanks to Sanya's tropical climate - similar to Thailand and Malaysia - Hainan's durian industry is flourishing, with the total cultivation area reaching 40,000 mu this year.
Durians are also boosting tourism, with agritourism farms like Youqi attracting families during holidays. For locals like farmer Hu Jianzhong, durians offer new hope: "With proper guidance, growing durians could bring great profits."
As Sanya's durians are prepared for the market, they promise not just sweet treats but also fresh opportunities for Hainan's agricultural growth.
