Gaolan Shichuan Ancient Pear Orchard System added to UN agricultural list

File photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows the Gaolan Shichuan Ancient Pear Orchard System in Gaolan County of Lanzhou City, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Photo/China News Service)

Located in Shichuan township in Gaolan county, Gansu, the pear orchard system is known for its centuries-old trees and traditional farming techniques. Local farmers have passed down practices such as high-altitude pruning, pest control using flower dusting and underground storage for fruit preservation.

China has added three new sites to the United Nations' list of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems, bringing the total to 25. The newly designated sites feature an ancient pear orchard system in Gansu Province, a freshwater pearl farming system in Zhejiang Province, and a white tea cultural system in Fujian Province.

File photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows the Gaolan Shichuan Ancient Pear Orchard System inGaolan County of Lanzhou City, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Photo/China News Service)

File photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows the Gaolan Shichuan Ancient Pear Orchard System inGaolan County of Lanzhou City, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Photo/China News Service)

File photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows visitors take photos of blooming pear flowers at the Gaolan Shichuan Ancient Pear Orchard System in Lanzhou City, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Photo/China News Service)

File photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows visitors take photos of blooming pear flowers at the Gaolan Shichuan Ancient Pear Orchard System in Lanzhou City, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Photo/China News Service)

File photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows visitors take photos of blooming pear flowers at the Gaolan Shichuan Ancient Pear Orchard System in Lanzhou City, northwest China's Gansu Province. (Photo/China News Service)