The fourth Yichang (Yiling) Citrus Festival opened in Yiling district of Yichang city in Central China's Hubei province on Oct 15, attracting more than 280 business people from seven countries and regions, such as Russia and Canada.

The fourth Yichang (Yiling) Citrus Festival opens in Yiling district of Yichang city in Central China's Hubei province on Oct 15, 2014. [Photo taken by Zhang Guorong]

A merchant from Russia said that Yiling is home to the best citrus fruits in the world, which are popular among Russians with their sweet and sour taste. This year's festival received sales orders of 468,000 tons of citrus, including 100,000 tons from Russia and Canada.

Some foreign friends pick their own oranges during the fourth Yichang (Yiling) Citrus Festival in Yiling district of Yichang city in Central China's Hubei province on Oct 15, 2014. [Photo taken by Zhang Guorong]

In recent years, Yiling district has focused on developing the citrus industry and helping locals increase income. The district now has a citrus planting area of 335,000 mu (22,333 hectares) with an annual output of 606,000 tons. About 60,000 local farmers work in the citrus industry.

The photo taken on Oct 15, 2014, shows Yiling's specialty during the fourth Yichang (Yiling) Citrus Festival in Yiling district of Yichang city in Central China's Hubei province. [Photo taken by Zhang Guorong]

This year, the citrus output will hit a record high of 700,000 tons, up 20 percent compared to last year.