After passing the conformity assessment by the Hengyang Customs authority, 6.4 tonnes of dried daylilies produced in Guanjiazui Town, Qidong County, were delivered to the Netherlands recently.

This was the first time that Qidong's daylilies have been exported to the Netherlands, broadening their access to international markets.

Reputed as the "home of Chinese daylily", Qidong County has been cultivating daylilies for over 500 years. Qidong daylilies are characterized by their thick petals, pleasant fragrance, and sweet taste, appealing to the palates of both Chinese and foreign consumers. The annual export value has remained at about 156 million CNY.

In 2015, Qidong daylilies were designated as a national-level geological indication (GI) protection product.

As a representative agricultural product of the county, the export of Qidong daylilies has been continuously growing, driving local economic development and providing a new source of income for local farmers. In 2023, the Hengyang Customs authority supervised 31 batches of daylily products for export, with a total weight of 426 tonnes. It is estimated that the export of Qidong daylily will grow by 30% this year.