In recent days, the golden fruit covering the hills of Anyue County in Ziyang City, Sichuan Province has taken on a deeper golden hue, becoming even more enticing. Strolling through Anyue, the refreshing fragrance of lemons fills the air. Today, these lemons have evolved into a vital pillar industry for enriching the local population and strengthening the county's economy.

Anyue is one of the world's top five lemon-producing regions and the only commercial lemon production base county in China, honored as the "Hometown of Chinese Lemons." The county maintains 480,000 mu of lemon cultivation with an annual output of 600,000 tons, accounting for 70% of the national total. It enjoys the reputation that "China's lemons depend on Sichuan, and Sichuan's lemons depend on Anyue."

From "returnee" to precious fruit, Anyue lemons have grown to become China's number one. Lemons originated in China and returned from overseas "studies." Since their introduction to Anyue in 1929, nearly a century of localized development has transformed Anyue lemons into a golden brand of "Sichuan fruit," successfully recognized as a national geographical indication product. They have won numerous honors including China's Famous Fruit and the International Fruit Expo Gold Award.

Today, Anyue leads the nation in lemon cultivation scale, with 110,000 farming households involving over 330,000 people. The county has established more than 40 lemon base townships, over 900 specialized cooperatives, and more than 200 family farms. Anyue has also successfully built a national lemon standardization demonstration zone, a national green food raw material (lemon) standardized production base, a national export food and agricultural product quality safety demonstration zone, and a national modern agricultural (lemon) industrial park.

Moreover, Anyue's unique geographical location, soil conditions, and climatic advantages make it the most suitable area for lemon cultivation, resulting in world-class quality. According to multi-year sampling tests by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Citrus Research Institute, Anyue lemons surpass lemons from other regions in key indicators including essential oils, citric acid, citral, limonene, and vitamin C, earning them the title "precious fruit."

Currently, it is the lemon harvesting season in Anyue. Picking, transportation, sorting, weighing, and packaging activities create a bustling scene in lemon orchards and processing workshops. Most freshly picked lemons are stored in cold storage to ensure year-round sales. Besides supplying nationwide markets, these lemons are exported to over 30 countries and regions including Russia and Singapore.

As the first fresh fruit in Sichuan Province to achieve export value exceeding 100 million yuan, lemon prices are closely linked to the international market. This year's reduced production in major global lemon-producing regions has tightened international supply, driving export prices higher. Anyue lemon wholesale prices have doubled compared to last year.

From fresh fruit to processed products, Anyue lemons see rising value. With higher levels of essential oils, citric acid, and vitamins than other lemons, Anyue lemons are suitable not only for fresh consumption but also as premium raw materials for beverages, food, cosmetics, and daily chemicals.

Previously, Anyue lemons primarily reached the market as fresh fruit or primary processed products. Now, the county has established a complete deep-processing industrial chain, transforming fresh lemons into higher-value-added products. At Sichuan Anyue Lemon Super Acid Biotechnology Co., Ltd., lemons are thoroughly pressed into fresh juice. Company representative Zhang Chuanchong proudly explained that besides cold-pressed juice, byproducts like peels, pulp residue, and seeds are efficiently utilized to produce high-value items such as lemon pectin and dietary fiber, achieving comprehensive utilization of each lemon.

The company's development exemplifies Anyue's advancement in deep processing. With increasing numbers of deep-processing enterprises, Anyue lemons have transitioned from selling raw materials to selling standards, brands, and technology.

Tian Jinghua, head of the Anyue County Lemon Industry Development Center, stated that Anyue is enhancing product value through deep processing. The county now has 33 deep-processing enterprises producing over 200 types of lemon products including daily chemicals, food, and pharmaceuticals, with an annual processing capacity exceeding 350,000 tons and promising development prospects.

Today, the humble lemon undergoes a perfect transformation in Anyue—from field to table, from agricultural product to fashionable consumer good—gradually increasing in value.

From taste buds to cultural tourism integration, Anyue lemons boost rural revitalization. In Anyue, vast lemon plantations form unique agricultural landscapes. In recent years, Anyue has leveraged "small lemons" to drive a "big industry," pioneering a new path integrating agriculture, culture, and tourism from field to table and from cultivation to experience.

Anyue vigorously promotes "lemon + tourism," developing distinctive scenic spots and travel routes. The Baosen Lemon Tourism Area, a national AAAA-level scenic spot, integrates lemon industry with tourism, leisure experiences, and sales, achieving remarkable results in agricultural-cultural-tourism fusion.

Here, visitors can enjoy lemon picking, purchase diverse lemon-derived products, and savor a "lemon feast" featuring dishes like lemon-shredded chicken, lemon shrimp balls, and lemon soda, experiencing the complete journey from branch to palate.

Rising comprehensive tourism revenue vividly illustrates the success of Anyue's integrated development, injecting strong momentum into rural revitalization. In 2024, the comprehensive output value of Anyue's lemon industry reached 16.31 billion yuan, with per capita net income of fruit farmers at 17,157 yuan, increasing per capita lemon income for county farmers by 4,322 yuan, making it a crucial pillar for local rural revitalization.

Furthermore, Anyue's lemon industry culture thrives through "lemon + culture" initiatives. The county has hosted 11 consecutive China Lemon (Blossom) Festivals and 5 World Lemon Industry Development Conferences. "Anyue Lemon Feast" was recognized as one of Sichuan's Top Ten Themed Banquets. Films like "Lemon" and documentaries including "Lemon Is Coming" and "Encounter·Walking Lemon" have aired on mainstream media. Dozens of lemon-themed songs incorporating local elements, such as "Lemon Fragrance Drifting" and "I Use My Life to Love You," have gained widespread popularity for their fresh, natural, and catchy tunes.

Through continuous development, Anyue's golden fruits are becoming a major industry with fragrance drifting worldwide.