China begins harvesting pilot durian crops in Yunnan

Pilot durian orchards in Yunnan province, southwestern China, have begun harvesting after four years of experimental cultivation. Initial results show significant yields in certain areas, suggesting the potential for expanded tropical fruit farming within the country.

While China has historically relied on imports from Southeast Asian nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Laos, domestic efforts are increasing. According to China Customs, durian imports reached 1.87 million tons in 2025, doubling the volume seen in 2022. To supplement these imports, China is testing cultivation in southern regions, including Hainan and Yunnan.

Ao Pingxing, Director of the Durian Industry Research Center at Yunnan Agricultural University, noted that durian trees require at least four years to bear fruit. He highlighted that maintaining consistent ripening times and stable yields remains a challenge in Yunnan due to complex local climates and diverse terrain. However, the recent successful harvests indicate a transition from individual experiments toward standardized, large-scale cultivation models.