Recently, a melon tasting event kicked off at the Agricultural Demonstration Base for Land Reclamation at the Madao Hub of the Pinglu Canal. More than 50 varieties of "Pinglu Melons"—selected from 141 experimental varieties—made their debut, attracting visitors eager to sample these unique fruits grown on canal soil. "This farmland was created through land reclamation using earth and rock excavated from the Pinglu Canal construction, hence the name Pinglu Melon," explained Tang Xiaofu, an associate professor at the College of Agriculture, Guangxi University. The sugar content (Brix) of the Pinglu Melon currently reaches 17.2 degrees, surpassing that of ordinary reticulated muskmelons. As the day-night temperature difference widens between October and November, the sweetness can reach up to 20 degrees. "A high-quality Pinglu Melon can sell for 30 to 60 yuan," Tang noted when calculating the industry's economic value, adding that locally cultivated Pinglu Melons command competitive prices benchmarked against imported counterparts.

The field tasting event also served as a cross-regional industrial learning and exchange platform, leaving a deep impression on attendees from various backgrounds.

"Pinglu Melons are top-notch!" said Nic, an attendee from Luxembourg, who expressed awe at the grand scale of the Pinglu Canal—a landmark national infrastructure project—and delight at the sweet harvest it has yielded.

In September this year, the landmark Pinglu Canal project will officially open to navigation. Today, adjacent to the bustling construction sites, lush vines and abundant fruits showcase the emerging outline of an ecologically livable and prosperous canal corridor, painting a picture of harmony between humanity and nature.

Reviewer 1: Huang Mengyao

Reviewer 2: Zhang Yanlan

Reviewer 3: Tang Caihong