(Baonghean.vn) - In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the peach blossom market in the border region of Nghe An is extremely bustling. People bring branches of gnarled, bushy peach blossoms with large buds and beautiful shapes to sell for tens of millions of dong. Currently, the most expensive peach blossom branch is being offered for 40 million dong...
 |
| Along the roadsides of the towns of Hoa Binh (Tuong Duong), Muong Xen (Ky Son), and Kim Son (Que Phong), there are many makeshift markets selling peach blossoms during this time of year. |
 |
| A giant peach tree, brought from Noọng Hét (Laos) and over 20 years old, was offered a price of 40 million dong. |
 |
| Ancient peach blossom branches, some decades old, grown on the farms of the Mong and Khmu ethnic groups, are transported to the town centers for sale. |
 |
| There are also peach blossom branches brought in from neighboring Laos. These branches are characterized by mossy, lichen-covered trunks, numerous parasitic plants, and large buds. |
 |
| This peach blossom branch was brought from Sa Lay village, Muong Long commune, and was offered 20 million dong, but the owner hasn't sold it yet. |
 |
| The flowers of this peach variety are pale pink, not as vibrant as those of peaches from the lowlands. The petals are very large and distinctive; after blooming, the petals take a long time to fall off. |
 |
| Due to their long cultivation and the characteristic cold climate, the trunks of these mossy peach trees are very beautiful, with many parasitic plants living on them, creating extremely unusual shapes. |
 |
| Many traders prefer to buy the entire tree, root and all. This makes it easier for buyers to decorate their homes with peach blossoms. Sellers also get a better price. |
 |
| There are also beautiful parasitic plants growing on the trunks of these ancient trees. |
 |
| The more moss, the more beautiful the shape and flowers of the tree, the higher the price it fetches; some trees sell for 30-40 million VND. |
 |
| The man was happy to have chosen a peach blossom branch that suited him. |
 |
| This is also an opportunity for young girls to take selfies next to peach blossom trees worth tens of millions of dong. |
 |
| Cars from the lowlands travel all the way to Muong Xen district town (Ky Son district) to buy peach blossoms to bring back home for Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations. |
 |
| In recent days, western Nghe An province has experienced historically cold weather, forcing many traders to light fires to guard their peach orchards. |
 |
| Peach blossom branches costing tens of millions of dong are gradually being transported to major cities. |
 |
| In recent years, the demand for peach blossom trees for Tet (Lunar New Year) has been increasing, leading to a scarcity of peach blossom trees in the highland districts. This is also presenting a promising opportunity for those developing the economy in some highland communes. |
Ho Phuong - Dao Tho
