Daxing, the nearest district downtown Beijing, made suburban name through its
its annual watermelon festival.
In contract to the north subruban
districts and counties like Miyun, Huairou and Yanqing, all of which enjoy
forest-covered moutains, lakes, reservoirs and summer resorts, Daxing's singly
flat terrain leaves it lacking ideal travel destinations.
In response,
the local government tried to develop different tourism attractions in recent
years by looking at what is hidden behind the seemingly dull
terrain.
Apart from watermelon festival, a flower appreciation festival
in spring and fruit-picking events in autumn also increasingly attract people
from downtown. A number of entertainment sites such as Beijing Wildlife Park and
a new rodeo are amongst the latest alternatives for Beijingers.
here's a
selected rundown of some of Daxing's hottest happenings every year.
Watermelon festival
Picking
watermelons is part of the fun of the
festival. |
This year's watermelon
festival will take place in the town of Daxing from May 28 to June 1.
The festival centres on local farmers from Daxing bringing high-quality
watermelons to local fruit markets and lots of celebrations.
Daxing hopes to use the festival to promote the development of the local
economy.
During the watermelon festival, many evening parties and theatrical
performances will be held.
The opening ceremony will begin at the square before the new China Watermelon
Museum at 9:30 am on May 28.
The museum is the first of its kind in China and will open to the public
after the opening ceremony.
Mulberry
trees offer a fruity alternative. |
More
than 170 different species of watermelons are on display there. Information and
displays on high-tech watermelon products and planting processes as well as
picture exhibitions will be added attractions.
After visiting the museum, watermelon picking in local farmers' fields is
offered to visitors.
A watermelon competition will be also held from May 25 to 26. Farmers from
across China will take their watermelons to contest. Weight and colour are taken
into consideration. The top watermelon will be auctioned after the competition.
Last year a watermelon weighing 120 kg was auctioned at 1 million yuan
(US$120,482).
The competition and auction site is the model watermelon field in
Panggezhuang Village.
A watermelon eating contest is another unusual attraction during the
festival. The person who gobbles the most, fast wins. Prizes are up for grats.
It is also
possible to pick up grapes. |
If all that
watermelon makes you feel sick, try a different fruit. A mulberry fruit-picking
festival is to be held on May 25 at Anding Village, a place boasting 2,410
hectares of mulberry fields. Mulberry trees more than 200 years old still grow
here. Local legend has it that the field there was the only place to offer
mulberry fruit to the imperial families of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). A party
will be held on the so-called "White House Lawn," located at the centre of the
mulberry field.
A resort has been built near the lawn and a small stream flows into the
mulberry field. An agricultural products sales fair will be held at Huangcun
Town from May 28 to June 1.
A photography competition will begin late this month and run until December.
A farmers' family food cooking TV contest will be held on May 31 at Lihua
Villa (Pear flower Villa).
In addition investment fairs and exhibitions will be held during the
festival.
For more information, contact 6129-8640 or 6129-8642 (both Chinese only).
Beijing Wildlife Park
An
American-style rodeo is a new
attraction. |
Located at Yufa Town of
Daxing District, Beijing Wildlife Park is a travel must after picking fruit
nearby.
The park is a new attraction located approximately 40 minutes by car from the
centre of town (depending on the traffic).
The statistics of the park are impressive. It covers a total of 670 hectares.
There are 300 collaborators, including 24 experts who ensure the well-being of
the animals and the comfort and pleasure of the visitors. The animal park
comprises over 200 species from around the world that enjoy a superior
environment, facilities, care and attention in a setting claimed to be similar
to their natural habitat.
The park has an impressive entrance. A small electric pullcart is available
to take you to any part of the park at the cost of 5 yuan (60 cents).
The animal show includes elephants, golden monkeys and various birds.
After the show, it takes only two minutes to reach the bus for the 30
minute-trip around the areas where you will see animals in the wild, including
lions, wolves, African hunting dogs, tigers, bears, baboons, wild boars and
gazelle.
In the bird enclosure you can take pictures with colourful parrots or marvel
at their talents. You will also be able to see many birds that are facing
extinction. A special tropical bird exhibition is arranged in the centre, which
includes an area where you can feed and talk to the birds around you.
Cost for entry to the park: Adult 85 yuan (US$10); children and seniors: 55
yuan (US$7)
Tel: 8921-7544, 96285360 (Chinese only)
