Nanzhao: a county of magnolia

When the sweet fragrance of magnolia trees fills the air, you know you're in Nanzhao, the "hometown of magnolia in China".

Nanzhao, a county situated in south Nanyang, Henan province, boasts a preferential climate for cultivating magnolia. The county grows as many as 22 different species, accounting for half of the 44 magnolia species found in China and one fourth of the world's 88.

Blooming magnolia flowers in Nanzhao's magnolia garden. [Photo by Zhang Zhan, Sui Gang, Du Feng, Zhou Hu/Nanyang Daily]

With a long history of planting magnolia trees that can be traced back 2,000 years, the flower continues to bloom in Nanzhao, with its natural flora reserve that has existed for over 500 years.

Statistics show that there are 115,000 people in Nanzhao working for the magnolia industry, 45 related businesses, 186 cooperatives and 65 major magnolia-planting village bases.

Nanzhao was named as the "hometown of magnolia in China" by the State Forestry Administration due to the county's prosperous magnolia industry, trading trees around the country to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin.

A magnolia garden in Nanzhao integrates sightseeing, leisure and magnolia promotion. [Photo by Zhang Zhan, Sui Gang, Du Feng, Zhou Hu/Nanyang Daily]

Adding additional luster to Nanzhao's calling card as the "hometown of magnolia in China" are the eye-catching magnolia trees that Nanzhao planted in the Bird's Nest during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and the upright magnolia in front of Zhongnanhai, Beijing's leadership compound.

Aiming to progress forward, regardless of the current achievements Nanzhao has made in the magnolia industry, the local government has taken various measures, including providing financial support for those businesses cultivating top level magnolia trees, as well as introducing rare species.

Magnolia experts were also hired to form a consulting group, providing technological guidance in reference to tree surgery, grafting and cultivation.

Nanzhao has developed magnolia tree cultivation bases that cover an area of 282,000 mu (hectares), with a total production value of 1.89 billion yuan ($ million).

Local officials visit the magnolia garden to give related guidance. [Photo by Zhang Zhan, Sui Gang, Du Feng, Zhou Hu/Nanyang Daily]