The grape trellis in Wuxi is loaded with plump grapes. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
Where does summer hide? Amongst the cicadas' symphony, within the summer breeze, under the shade, and naturally, beneath the grape trellis. A bountiful harvest of grapes from Wuxi, Jiangsu province, has already flooded the market.
The city's abundant water systems, fertile soil, ample sunshine, and high organic soil content make it especially suitable for growing grapes.
"Huangtu grapes" in Jiangyin, a county-level city in Wuxi, and "Hongshan grapes" in Xinwu district are the most famous Wuxi grapes.
The scale of grape cultivation in Huangtu town has stabilized at around 12,000 mu (800 hectares). Nearly 30 varieties of grape are now cultivated there, including Shine Muscat, Champagne, and Red Globe.
Hongshan subdistrict in Xinwu is known as the "Turpan of Jiangnan". After nearly 30 years of development, grape cultivation has expanded to over 2,500 mu, with more than 30 early, mid, and late ripening varieties, including Champagne, Summer Black, and Shine Muscat. Hongshan grapes have become a symbol of Wuxi.
Wuxi's various vineyards cultivate more than 30 grape varieties, each with unique flavors. As a result, the harvest season, lasting from July to October, is long enough for us to enjoy the summer delight.
