As the winter sun warms the fields, strawberries across Shanghai's countryside have quietly ripened, and the annual picking season is now in full swing. Grab a basket and head outdoors for a sweet day of fresh-air fun!

1. Shanghai Honghe Fruit & Vegetable Cooperative

In Baihe town, Qingpu district, known as the "hometown of Chinese strawberries", the winter harvest of Hongyan strawberries is underway. This year, the town has dedicated over 383 hectares to strawberry cultivation, with an expected yield of 8,700 metric tons. Inside the cooperative's greenhouses, the scent of ripe berries fills the air. A longer growing period this season has delayed the harvest slightly, but resulted in a noticeably richer flavor.

The 15th Baihe Strawberry Culture Festival also opened on Dec 6 and runs through March, offering not only strawberry picking, but farm experiences and cultural displays, turning the countryside into a winter-long celebration.

Where: No 2303 Baishi Highway, Qingpu district

2. Strawberry-themed New Year fair at Changxing Island Country Park

From Jan 1 to 3, Changxing Island Country Park invites visitors on a sweet outdoor adventure. Pick fresh strawberries in the fruit garden, join the New Year park run, relax with tea by a warm stove, or try horse riding and go-karting for a fun-filled rural getaway.

Where: No 199 Qiugan Road, Changxing Island, Chongming district

3. Tuannan Village Strawberry Farm

Located in Situan town, Fengxian district, this farm has just opened for the season! Step into the greenhouse and take in the fresh, rich aroma of ripening strawberries. Popular varieties such as Hongyan and Akihime are all ready for picking.

This year also introduces a new star — the Bailu white strawberry. Featuring snow-white or blush-pink skin and a plump, rounded shape, Bailu offers a delicate, refined sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the classic sweet-tangy red berries.

Where: No 317 Tuanqing Highway, Situan town, Fengxian district

4. Xingyun Strawberry Garden

In Jiading district's Waigang town, the newly introduced early-ripening variety Yanmei No 1 is now ready. The fruit is conical, bright in color, balanced in sweetness and acidity, and richly fragrant. The garden also grows Hongyan and other varieties, ensuring a steady supply of distinct flavors from winter through spring.

Where: No 1900 North Moyu Road, Jiading district

5. Shaji Strawberry Base

In 1983, Jinshan district's Shaji village pioneered strawberry cultivation in the area by introducing over 50,000 Hokowase strawberry seedlings. Today, the base grows strawberry varieties such as Hongyan, Akihime, and Sui Zhu each with its own unique taste. The strawberries can be washed and tasted on the spot or packed in gift boxes to take home.

Where: Group 13, Shaji village, Caojing town, Jinshan district

6. Ziran Strawberry Garden

Located in Luojing town, this two-hectare garden is a green benchmark for strawberry farming in Baoshan district. Adhering to natural farming principles from seedling to harvest, its strawberries consistently test free of pesticide residues. Several varieties have even won gold awards at China's premium strawberry competitions.

At present, early-season Beibei strawberries are available. Though small in size, they are exceptionally sweet, with more varieties expected after New Year's Day.

Where: Northeast corner of Panjing Road and Panchuan Road intersection, Baoshan district

Sources: Shanghai Melons & Fruits Association, Information office of the Qingpu district government, Jiading district administration of culture and tourism, Chongming district administration of culture and tourism, Jinshan district government, Baoshan district government, Fengxian district government, and venues mentioned above