Nestled in Zhejiang Province, the quiet waterways of Deqing have nurtured a sparkling legacy for over 1,000 years. Here, freshwater pearls transform from humble mollusk treasures into globally coveted jewels – a process now recognized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as part of its 2025 Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems list.
Deqing’s pearl farming tradition, the earliest documented in China, combines ancient techniques with modern sustainability. At the OSM Pearl Museum, visitors like CGTN’s He Jingyi trace the journey from mussel cultivation to polished gemstones. "Watching workers carefully extract pearls from live mussels felt like uncovering nature’s hidden art," He remarked during her visit.
More Than Meets the Eye
Local experts reveal the meticulous process behind Deqing’s renowned pearls:
3-5 years of careful mussel rearing in nutrient-rich waters
Precision nucleus implantation by skilled technicians
Continuous water quality monitoring ensuring optimal growth conditions
This painstaking care results in pearls celebrated for their exceptional clarity and smoothness, qualities that have positioned Deqing as a key player in China’s $9 billion pearl industry.
Cultural Legacy Meets Economic Growth
The FAO designation highlights Deqing’s unique integration of aquaculture with ecological preservation. For investors, it signals growing opportunities in sustainable luxury goods. Cultural explorers gain new insight into a craft that’s shaped regional identity for centuries, while diaspora communities reconnect with a tangible piece of Chinese agricultural heritage.
As global demand for ethically sourced gems rises, Deqing’s pearls offer a model of tradition and innovation flowing as smoothly as the waters that birth them.
