Liushao Potato Flowers Sea in Xundian County, Kunming

Chinese Name:昆明六哨乡洋芋花海
English Name:Liushao Potato Flowers Sea in Xundian County, Kunming
Liushao Township is located in the central-western part of Xundian, characterized by high-altitude mountainous terrain dominated by red soil. The most famous feature of Liushao is its vast fields of potato flowers. While these small flowers are usually unremarkable, from mid to late June each year, Liushao's tens of thousands of acres of potato flowers bloom in a stunning array of colors. The overlapping mountains and terraced fields burst into a sea of flowers with shades of pink, pale purple, and pure white, creating a unique and spectacular landscape.

The potato flowers are most concentrated in Baili Village and Dahuo Village, which have nearly 20,000 acres of potato fields. Along the road from Henghe Village to Liushao Township, there are also many potato flowers. On a nearby ridge not far from Baili Village, there is a group of wind turbines. The combination of wind turbines and potato flowers creates a distinctive and picturesque scene.

Address: Liushao Township, Xundian; the road from Henghe Village to Liushao Township, Baili Village, and Dahuo Village are the most concentrated areas.

Time: Around mid-June.

Overview:

The Liushao Potato Flowers Sea in Xundian County, Kunming, is a remarkable agricultural and tourism destination known for its expansive potato flower fields. In a field of over 2,000 potato varieties, three are being selected as potential future main varieties, with results expected in the next three years. Quality control is crucial, with 2 million virus-free seedlings produced annually and 3,000 tons of virus-free seed potatoes supplied to growers each year.

Potato Popularity:

Potatoes are beloved for their versatility and flavor. Despite their plain appearance, their taste has won over many. They are a staple in daily life.

Seasonal Beauty:

During the summer, Liushao’s potatoes enter their blooming period. The fields become a sea of green with vibrant potato plants and beautiful flowers. Early maturing varieties are already being harvested, and people are busy collecting the potatoes, radiating joy from their successful harvest. Artists also visit during this season to enjoy and share the labor’s rewards.

Potato Festival:

In 2018, Liushao held its first Potato Festival, where painting on potatoes was introduced. This event quickly became popular, and artists from Kunming participated, showcasing their unique potato art. The festival has been held several times since and has even been featured in international gatherings.

Potato Industry Development:

Xundian County has prioritized the potato industry as a key sector, fostering its development with significant support. The county annually produces 60,000 tons of high-quality seed potatoes and has 300,000 acres dedicated to potato cultivation, yielding 540,000 tons of fresh potatoes and generating 650 million CNY in revenue. The local art community, particularly through the Xundian Art Museum, has embraced painting on potatoes, enhancing their appeal and contributing to the industry’s growth.

Market and Sales:

Liushao’s 130,000 acres of high-quality potatoes are sold rapidly, with daily sales reaching 2,000 tons. The potatoes are priced at 1.8 CNY/kg for the spring crop and have created new economic opportunities for locals. Approximately 150 trucks transport over 2,000 tons of potatoes daily to markets in Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, and nearby cities such as Kunming, Baoshan, Dali, Lijiang, Simao, and Jinghong. Prices vary by village, with some maintaining higher rates due to quality. It is expected that daily sales will exceed 5,000 tons by the end of July.

Success Stories:

In Longjie Village, Pan Decheng’s family cultivated 60 acres of spring potatoes in 2022, achieving a yield of 5.2 tons per acre with a market price of 1.5 CNY/kg, resulting in a revenue of 297,000 CNY. Additionally, 20 acres of autumn potatoes are in good condition, expected to yield over 3 tons, showing a significant increase in income compared to previous years.