Features
Monday, 03 August 2009 08:08
Written by Jalean Wong

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Summers in Shanghai are vicious, so here’s the perfect excuse to escape the city smog (not that you actually need one). Two words: Nanhui peaches. Before you city slickers cringe in terror at the notion of heading to the countryside, fret not. Nanhui is just an hour’s drive from downtown Shanghai and trust us when we say it’s well worth the trek. We’re not talking about any old peaches, but the renowned shuimitao – famed for their intoxicating fragrance, tender flesh and juicy sweetness.  

The peach has a very special place in the hearts of Chinese people. For centuries it has been revered as a symbol of longevity and even immortality. According to legend, the Eight Immortals would gather every 3,000 years when the immortal peach tree of the Kunlun moutains produced a single magical peach. They all shared it to ensure eternal life.

Fortunately for you, there’s no need to wait three millennia. Peak season for Nanhui’s shuimitao is now and runs until October. And yes, we’re well aware that you can grab some Nanhui peaches from your local fruit stall, but walking around an orchard while the seductive aroma of ripe peaches wafts around you is quite the experience.

There are plenty of options for a peach-picking excursion. But your best bet is Shisun Orchard. According to their resident expert and manager Mr. Chen, look for well-formed peaches that resemble a baby’s bottom (yes, he actually said that!) Unblemished skin with just a slight blush hints at tender, sweet and succulent. He even recommends that, rather than storing them in the fridge, you place them around your house. This way you can fully enjoy their delicately sweet perfume before you finally eat them.

Cost: The entrance fee into Shisun Orchard is RMB88. This covers all the peaches you can eat while in the orchard, as well as five jin (2.5kg) to take home. Each additional jin costs RMB20.

Getting there: Shisun offer a shuttle bus service. You can make arrangements by calling 962360. But they only speak Chinese. If you want to make your own transportation arrangements, though, see the details below.

 

Mon-Sun 830am-430pm. All cards. 7041 Nanhui Yanhunan Gong Lu, Shisun Shuimitao (5817 0066) 南汇沿沪南公路7041号,石笋水蜜Ì“. Too hot to leave your apartment? We’ve got you covered. You can order Nanhui peaches at www.962360.com for around RMB108 per dozen.

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