At the eastern edge of the Loess Plateau, where Henan, Shaanxi, and Shanxi provinces converge, apples carry a century-old agricultural legacy. Lingbao apples, a nationally protected geographical indication (GI) product, mark the origin of modern apple cultivation in China’s northwest highlands and stand as the most iconic specialty of western Henan. From just over 200 saplings a century ago to today’s 60,000-hectare "Asia’s premier high-altitude orchard," Lingbao apples have thrived on natural advantages, technological innovation, and brand strength, earning acclaim for their vibrant color, rich sweetness, and crisp texture—a true testament to the region’s terroir and craftsmanship.
**Policy-Driven Foundations for Growth** On December 9, Lingbao Shifeng Fruit Co., Ltd. buzzed with activity as trucks loaded with apples prepared for nationwide delivery via SF Express. "Orders within Henan arrive the next day," noted General Manager Qi Shifang. Li Shaona, Deputy Director of Lingbao’s Specialty Agriculture Development Center, highlighted that such vibrant production and sales scenes are commonplace, reflecting the industry’s robust growth.
Lingbao’s apple boom is no accident. Local governments in Sanmenxia and Lingbao have prioritized apples as a pillar of rural revitalization, rolling out targeted policies to overcome bottlenecks. The city has adopted a strategy to "stabilize acreage, enhance quality, amplify branding, and boost profitability," backed by initiatives like the "One County, One Zone, One Brand (One GI)" campaign. A dedicated apple brand leadership team coordinates efforts across towns and villages, ensuring cohesive implementation.
The city has demarcated a 60,000-hectare GI protection zone spanning 15 towns and 433 villages, anchoring product uniqueness to regional advantages. This integrates GI protection with trademark development and rural tourism, fostering a dynamic ecosystem. Over recent years, Lingbao has invested over 100 million yuan in infrastructure, R&D, and cold-chain logistics, propelling its apple brand value to 20.184 billion yuan in 2025—consistently ranking among China’s top regional brands.
**Technology Elevates Quality** At the Sigao Mountain planting base of Lingbao Highland Natural Fruits Co., Manager Liu Guofei pointed to the soil teeming with over 200 earthworms per square meter. The 1,000-meter-altitude orchards employ grass cultivation and green pest control to minimize chemical use, safeguarding quality from the ground up.
Li Shaona emphasized that stringent standards govern every step—from farm inputs to post-harvest handling—ensuring consistent quality. Collaborations with institutions like the Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute and Northwest A&F University have introduced advanced techniques such as integrated water-fertilization systems and digital monitoring. New varieties like "Ruixue," "Venus Golden," and "Qincui" are cultivated in demonstration gardens, diversifying the apple portfolio.
**Brand Power Expands Market Reach** "Visitors and buyers flock to Sigao Mountain," said Si Hong’e of Lingdong Fruit Cooperative, reflecting surging demand. A recent marketing campaign themed "Taste China’s Sweetness at the First Pass Under Heaven" leveraged viral videos, influencer partnerships, and live-streaming to catapult Lingbao apples into the national spotlight, converting online buzz into sales and brand equity.
Under a "parent-child brand" model, the flagship "Lingbao Apple" umbrella nurtures sub-brands like "Sigao Mountain" and "Lingbao," creating a synergistic cluster. Eight local firms recently earned GI certification, while international trademark filings across 47 jurisdictions pave the way for global expansion.
**Integrated Industries Fuel Prosperity** To protect its GI reputation, Lingbao’s market regulators and fruit associations enforce strict packaging and sales compliance, while organizing exhibitions to broaden market access. Since its 2020 inclusion in the EU-China GI pact, Lingbao apples have gained EU recognition, boosting exports.
The apple economy now spans farming, processing (juices, ciders, dried slices), and agritourism, tripling value-added output to 1.5 billion yuan annually. In key producing towns like Sihе, Suсun, and Wumu, apples account for 80% of farmer incomes, lifting households by 30,000 yuan per year. Rural tourism initiatives—from blossom festivals to "Apple Town" complexes—shift sales from bulk to premium and experiential, creating a virtuous cycle.
Today, Lingbao’s apple industry employs over 300,000 locals, uplifts 4,200 relocated workers, and benefits 8,200 low-income households, with cluster revenues hitting 20.7 billion yuan—proving that this "golden fruit" truly enriches lives and local economies.