First Successful Large-Scale Coffee Planting in Guangdong Province

In a region better known for its subtropical heat than its caffeine, farmers in southern China’s Guangdong Province have quietly cracked a major hurdle: growing coffee outdoors at scale. While specialty coffee has long been associated with high-altitude regions near the equator, a group of growers in Yun’an County, Yunfu City, have managed to cultivate productive coffee trees, proving that certain areas of Guangdong can indeed support the crop under the right conditions.

Yes, coffee can grow in Guangdong — specifically in Yun’an County, where trials have shown success with outdoor plantings. Over 100 households in Shanzitou Village alone have increased monthly income from around 800 RMB to over 2,000 RMB, doubling their earnings thanks to coffee.

How a Local Pioneer Planted Guangdong’s First Coffee Trees

The story begins with Feng Shilin, a native of Shanzitou Village in Zhen’an Township, Yun’an County, and executive director of Foshan-based Kadem Coffee Technology Co., Ltd. Known among villagers as the first person to grow coffee in the area, Feng returned to his hometown with a mission: to create a premium coffee brand that originates from Guangdong itself.

Starting in 2004, Feng and other industry professionals conducted extensive planting trials across the Pan-Pearl River Delta region. After more than seven years of testing, only select locations proved viable for growing coffee. These included parts of Yunfu and Zhaoqing’s Deqing County, as well as Foshan. Within Yun’an County, both the town of Zhen’an and Luohong Village in Deqing County achieved successful outdoor growth of specific coffee varieties.

Varieties That Thrived: P3, P4, and Typica

The coffee varieties that succeeded in these trials were the P3 and P4 cultivars of the Catimor group, along with the classic Typica variety. Feng noted that coffee cultivation techniques were virtually non-existent in Guangdong at the time, and many imported coffee varieties struggled with local conditions, exhibiting poor adaptation, disease susceptibility, or unexpected mutations.

Through years of experimentation, the team eventually developed a set of coffee strains suited for Guangdong’s environment. They completed the full cycle from seedling cultivation to planting, processing, and cup evaluation. What began as skepticism among villagers gradually turned into acceptance, with more families planting coffee trees in their yards and gardens.

Coffee as Village Income: A New Farming Model

The economic impact on local communities has been significant. In Shanzitou Village, over a hundred households have embraced coffee cultivation. Their average monthly income rose dramatically from 800 RMB in 2021 to over 2,000 RMB by 2023, showcasing how coffee can serve as a viable income source even in non-traditional growing regions.

Zhu Weiguo, Party Secretary of Zhen’an Town, confirmed the growing trend, noting that more villagers now view coffee as a promising part of their “courtyard economy” — small-scale farming on residential or nearby land that boosts household income. This grassroots adoption marks a shift from initial resistance to active participation in coffee cultivation.

Dr. Song Fuping, a researcher from the South China Branch of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, endorsed the achievement. He confirmed that Yun’an County represents the first large-scale, successful coffee-growing base in Guangdong Province.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where in Guangdong was coffee successfully grown?

Coffee was successfully grown in Yun’an County, Yunfu City, particularly in Zhen’an Town and Shanzitou Village. Trials also succeeded in Deqing County’s Luohong Village. These are the first large-scale, outdoor coffee-growing areas confirmed in Guangdong Province.

What coffee varieties grew well in Guangdong?

The P3 and P4 varieties of the Catimor group, as well as the Typica variety, were successfully cultivated in Guangdong. These were the only types that adapted well after years of trials in the region’s unique climate.

How did coffee farming impact local villagers’ income?

In Shanzitou Village, over 100 households saw their average monthly income rise from 800 RMB to more than 2,000 RMB — a doubling — within just a few years due to coffee cultivation.

Who led the coffee trials in Guangdong?

Feng Shilin, a local from Shanzitou Village and head of a coffee tech company in Foshan, initiated the trials. He is recognised as the first to grow coffee in the area and has worked since 2004 to adapt coffee farming to Guangdong’s environment.

Is coffee growing new to Guangdong?

Yes, commercial or large-scale coffee growing has been virtually nonexistent in Guangdong until these trials. Local farmers had no prior experience or infrastructure for coffee cultivation until the 2004 trials began.

What challenges did growers face in Guangdong?

Early trials faced issues like poor adaptation, disease, and mutation in imported coffee varieties. Feng and his team spent years refining techniques and selecting resilient strains suitable for Guangdong’s specific conditions.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Typica

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