A warm-up event leading up to the fifth World Lemon Industry Development Conference kicked off on Monday in Anyue county, southwestern China's Sichuan province. 

International guests pose for a photo at a lemon garden in Anyue county, Sichuan province on Oct. 14, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Themed "When Wukong Meets Anyue Lemons," the two-day event attracted media representatives and international guests, offering them a chance to explore Anyue's renowned lemon industry along with its historical and cultural sites. This event also tapped into the buzz generated by the popular video game Black Myth: Wukong, as Anyue is one of the game's filming locations.

As the peak harvest season for Anyue lemons unfolded, international guests from countries such as the U.S., U.K., and Pakistan toured the World Lemon Variety Garden, which showcases 25 lemon varieties from around the world. The immersive experience, featuring lemon cocktails and teas, was a highlight for visitors.

"It's so fragrant! I think this is the type of lemon used in Mixue Ice Cream&Tea!" said Jonathan, a social media content creator from the U.S. who had visited Anyue multiple times. "This time, I'm planning to dive deeper into the history of lemon cultivation here and try some lemon wine," he added.

Jonathan, a social media content creator, live streams at a lemon garden in Anyue county, Sichuan province on Oct. 14, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Saad Meryam from Morocco launched a live stream during the event, giving viewers a first-person experience of lemon picking. By 6:30 p.m. Monday, the live stream had attracted more than 2 million viewers.

Anyue's journey to becoming a global lemon leader began nearly a century ago when a local, Zou Haifan, brought a lemon seedling from the U.S. back to his hometown. The region's favorable climate—mild winters, warm summers, and distinct seasons—proved perfect for lemon cultivation.

Today, Anyue's lemons are internationally recognized for their superior quality, boasting numerous advantages over those grown in other leading lemon-producing regions such as California and Sicily. A report from China's Citrus Research Institute confirmed that Anyue lemons surpass their global counterparts in several key measures, including lemon oil content and citric acid levels. As a result, Anyue has become a major player in the global lemon market, with its exports reaching 38 countries across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Yulia Grishenko and Zhivtsov Maxim, a Russian couple, enjoy the scent of lemon at a lemon garden in Anyue county, Sichuan province on Oct. 14, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

In the first half of this year, Anyue's lemon exports reached 81.22 million yuan (US$11.42 million), marking a year-on-year growth of 150.5%, solidifying its position as the top exported fruit from Sichuan.

Over nearly a century of development, Anyue lemons have grown from humble beginnings to become a major force in the industry. With 480,000 mu (32,000 hectares) of cultivation and an annual output of 600,000 metric tons, Anyue accounts for 70% of China's lemon production.

In addition to its agricultural success, Anyue is carving out a reputation as a center of lemon-related cultural events. The county has hosted the annual China Lemon Festival for 11 years, alongside four previous editions of the World Lemon Industry Development Conference. 

This year's conference, scheduled for October 17-18, will bring together experts and industry professionals from around the globe to discuss the future of lemon production. Topics will include variety improvement, nutrition, marketing, and international trade, with the aim of further enhancing the high-quality development of China's lemon industry.