Peruvian agricultural products are enjoying increasing popularity thanks to the trade agreement between China and Peru, especially Peruvian blueberries that have sprung up on Chinese people's dining tables with the arrival of November, the harvesting season of the fruit.
Official data from Peru show that over the 14 years since the free trade agreement came into effect in 2010, Peru's agricultural product exports to China increased 18 times.
After some 50 days of shipping, a batch of 7,800 boxes of Peruvian blueberries have recently arrived in Shanghai.
After boxing at local factories, these fruits will be distributed across China.
At a local supermarket in Shanghai, consumers and sellers have expressed their unabashed love for these fruits.
"We buy it about once every two or three days. The kids and the elderly at home all like to eat it," said a customer at the market.
"My wife and I each eat at least one box of blueberries every day," said another shopper.
"We sell different types of blueberries in different times. November is a very good season for Peruvian blueberries, and our sales are pretty good. We can sell over 20,000 boxes every day," said Zhang Lingli, fruit purchasing director of RT-Mart.
Luis Miguel Baanante Cerdena, a Peruvian fruit exporter, was dispatched from his company Camposol, the largest importer and exporter of fruits and vegetables in Peru, to Shanghai in 2017 to expand its presence in the Chinese market. Now his company exports thousands of tons of fruits every year to China.
"Blueberry is one category. It's the biggest category, but there are also important fruits like avocados and grapes, and we also do mangoes from Peru," said Luis Miguel Baanante Cerdena, general manager of Camposol.
Peruvian blueberries enjoy surging popularity on Chinese dining tables
The fourth rehearsal for the 2025 Spring Festival Gala deeply moved the audience with performances highlighting grassroots workers and stories of ordinary lives, capturing the essence of modern China.
The China Media Group (CMG) held the fourth rehearsal for the 2025 Spring Festival Gala on Wednesday to further hone the widely anticipated grand show on the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year will falls on Jan. 29 this year
The rehearsal featured singing, dancing, and traditional operas, with the performers fully prepared and delivering outstanding performances. The flow of the gala was more refined and more smoothly coordinated, and the atmosphere of the gala rehearsal was infused with joy, laughter, and a festive Spring Festival spirit.
Highlights of the gala included a song on the endeavors of Chinese modernization performed by grassroots workers, a heartwarming song with a delicate melody, reflecting the beauty of everyday life, and traditional Chinese operas presented by both renowned artists and emerging talents.
As part of an initiative to bring the public into the rehearsal process, ordinary people were invited to sit in the audience and witness these stunning performances.
Among them were young artist Chen Hanyu, community police officer Chen Liangshun, and graduate student Wu Xinyu from China Agricultural University, all experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the upcoming Spring Festival.
"I was particularly captivated by the Peking Opera performance. The martial arts moves, combined with high-tech stage effects, were amazing. As an art influencer fond of storytelling, I often capture the extraordinary stories of ordinary families. Watching the Spring Festival Gala has really inspired me," said the young artist.
"The Gala's portrayal of grassroots stories really moved me. As a student at China Agricultural University, we spend over 300 days a year at the Science and Technology Backyard (STB), living and working alongside farmers, as well as serving them on the frontline of production. The spirit showcased in the Gala resonated deeply with me," shared the student, referring to STB, a science and technology service platform established on the front line of production, such as rural areas and enterprises, that integrates agricultural science and technology innovation, demonstration and promotion, and talent training.
"During the Spring Festival, we sometimes mediate disputes between neighbors or family members, which is quite similar to the conflicts portrayed on the stage. The Spring Festival Gala truly reflects real life and connects with the people," said Chen Liangshun.
The gala, also known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, has been broadcast live annually since 1983, and has been seen as a major cultural symbol for the traditional Lunar New Year celebrations in China.
This year's event will be aired on Jan 28, the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year. It will also be the first edition since Spring Festival's successful inclusion on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Grassroots performances shine in 4th rehearsal for 2025 Spring Festival Gala
