Xianju has a history of waxberry cultivation dating back more than 1,600 years and is known as one of the original aeas of waxberry cultivation.. The unique microclimate of the proposed GIAHS site, together with the rhyolitic volcanic landform, provide a uniquely favorable environment for the cultivation of the waxberry and the composite planting and breeding mode in the GIAHS site. Xianju County is regarded in the industry as the birthplace of asexual reproduction of the Chinese Myrica rubra.

The composite planting and breeding mode of “waxberries-tea-chickens-bees” is a creation based on Xianju villagers’ thousands of years of experience, and it is also the most remarkable feature that distinguishes the proposed GIAHS site from other major ancient waxberry- producing areas in China. The site has accumulated a large number of ancient waxberry germplasm resources with diverse types, rich varieties and complete pedigree.