The 2019 China Zhangqiu Spring Onion Cultural Festival was held in Zhangqiu district, Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, from Nov 9 to 10.

Various activities, including competitions, cultural performances, exhibitions, and games, were held to showcase the district's distinct cultural and tourism attractions.

An annual spring onion competition has become a highlight of the festival, with many local famers taking part.

The onion grown by Song Guangbao was named the "king of spring onions" with a height of 2.43 meters.

Giant spring onions are on display at the 2019 China Zhangqiu Spring Onion Cultural Festival in Jinan on Nov 9. [Photo/ijntv.cn]

The festival also saw the signing of a number of cooperation agreements between the local government, agricultural companies, and logistics giants such as JD, SF Express, and China Post.

An industrial forum was also held on the opening day of the festival, giving experts an opportunity to discuss ways of boosting rural development.

Zhangqiu boasts a long history of growing spring onions, and the district was honored as the "home of spring onions" by the Ministry of Agriculture in 1996.

The district currently grows 600 million kilograms of spring onions over an area of 8,004 hectares, generating more than 700 million yuan ($99.96 million) annually.

High-end technology is being employed to increase production quality and capacity. This has allowed the district to produce spring onions year-round.

Local farmer Song Guangbao (M) is awarded 30,000 yuan for growing the tallest spring onion in the district this year. [Photo/ijntv.cn]