Pear trees hold a profound historical legacy in Beijing, standing as one of the region's primary native species. According to Beijing Annals, pear cultivation began in the Yuan Dynasty and flourished during the Qing Dynasty, earning praise for "filling the city with blossoms and fragrance." Here are some standout members of Beijing's pear family, celebrated for their refreshing taste and nourishing qualities:

Jingbai Pear

The Jingbai Pear, also known as Beijing White Pear, is one of the finest varieties in the Pyrus ussuriensis family. As Beijing's only fruit honored with the "Jing" prefix, it has been a royal tribute since the Ming Dynasty. This flat-round pear boasts juicy flesh, a balanced sweet-tart flavor, rich aroma, and high sugar content.

Hongxiao Pear

Renowned as the "Beijing Red Pear," the Hongxiao Pear is cherished for its tender, juicy texture and sweet-sour taste. Its most famous origin is Hefangkou Cun in Huairou's Huaibei, hailed as the "Home of Red Pears." Cultivation here dates back over 400 years to the Ming Dynasty's Longqing era.

Yangjiatai Honey Pear

Grown in deep mountains at an altitude of around 500 meters, the Yangjiatai Honey Pear thrives under longer sunlight exposure. Freshly picked, it shines emerald green, turning golden with golden speckles after storage. Uniform in size and smooth-skinned, this pear features snow-white, crisp flesh, thin skin, minimal core, and a fragrant, sweet juiciness.

Photo by: Mentougou Convergence Media Center, Mentougou District Culture And Tourism Bureau, Pinggu Convergence Media Center.