Strawberries grown at a plantation in Jiande. [Photo/WeChat account: zjsnky]

Jiande, known as China's Strawberry Hometown, has begun its strawberry season, though harvests are running over two weeks later than usual due to prolonged summer heat and a dry early winter.

Local growers say peak-quality strawberries — larger and richer in flavor — are expected from mid-January.

Backed by the Xin'an River's climate and more than 40 years of cultivation, Jiande now supports over 16,000 strawberry growers. While local planting covers about 10,000 mu (667 hectares), Jiande farmers operate a nationwide network of 90,000 mu across 27 provinces, generating an industry value exceeding 5.08 billion yuan ($728 million).

From early greenhouse adoption to nationwide expansion and smart, soilless cultivation, Jiande has built a full strawberry value chain rooted in innovation. With more than 50 varieties introduced and new breeds on the way, the label "Chinese strawberries, made in Jiande" continues to gain national recognition.

Two types of strawberries originated in Jiande. [Photo/WeChat account: zjsnky]