Xinjiang's Bounty Ep 1: Korla Pear – Sweet Gold from the Desert Oasis

Korla, a city in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is known for its pears, which are characterised by crisp texture, thin skin and natural sweetness.

Local growing conditions play an important role: hot summers, cool nights, and irrigation from Tianshan Mountains melt water support the orchards.

Pear cultivation in Korla has a long history. Written references to these pears can be traced back several centuries, including mentions from the period of the Silk Road, when they were noted for their taste and sometimes transported along trade routes.

Harvesting is still done by hand to protect the delicate skin of the fruit. In recent years, modern agricultural tools such as soil and water sensors have been introduced to monitor orchard conditions and help maintain stable yields.

Today, Korla pears are distributed both within China and to international markets, combining traditional farming practices with new technology.