(Photo/CFP)

Dongshan Town in Suzhou's Wuzhong District, a 5A-level tourist destination and a recognized historic and cultural town, has seen strong sales of its signature loquats this year.

Situated on a peninsula in Taihu Lake, Dongshan covers a total area of 96.5 square kilometers. It is a leading agricultural hub and one of China’s four loquat production areas, with a growing area of 1,900 hectares.

Large volumes of loquats entered the market starting May 17. According to Song Fulin, head of Dongshan Fruit Association, 65% of loquat sales take place online, while tourism continues to be a key driver of the demand. Thanks to the tourism activities in May, the occupancy rate of local homestays in Dongshan has reached 92%, Song said.

One of the town’s most visited attractions is Luxiang Village, hailed as the "No.1 ancient village of Taihu Lake.” As the hometown of Wang Ao, a prime minister of the Ming Dynasty, the village boasts a history of over 500 years and preserves the ancient streets, alleys, wells and bridges dated back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors are drawn to its cultural heritage and the traditional charm of Jiangnan water town.

Many young locals have returned home to assist with the harvest and are actively promoting loquats online through videos and social media. To strengthen the brand, the town has also launched a range of loquat-themed products, including toys and T-shirts.