The Xianju Ancient Chinese Waxberry Composite System, located in Taizhou's Xianju county, has been honored as a Global Important Agricultural Heritage System by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization. This distinction marks the first recognition of a GIAHS in waxberry cultivation.

Xianju is renowned for its waxberry plantations, which cover 142,000 mu (9,466 hectares) of orchards and generate over 1 billion yuan ($137.16 million) worth of fresh fruit per year.

With a history spanning more than 1,600 years, Xianju is a global center of waxberry cultivation. It houses a collection of 13,425 ancient waxberry trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old. Hosting 19 unique waxberry varieties, including 11 ancient ones, Xianju possesses the world's largest repository of ancient waxberry germplasm resources.

The Xianju Ancient Chinese Waxberry Composite System adopts an innovative organic and integrated mountain agriculture model. Within this system, waxberry trees offer shade, water retention, and wind resistance to surrounding tea plants. They also serve as crucial habitats and food sources for local chickens. In return, the chickens aid in controlling weeds and pests, while their manure, combined with organic matter, acts as natural fertilizer. Additionally, bees contribute to the system's biodiversity by pollinating nectar plants.

The recognition of the Xianju waxberry cultivation system as a GIAHS not only highlights the importance of preserving agricultural heritage but also draws attention to the cultural and ecological significance of the county. Both the local government and farmers are expected to benefit from enhanced tourism opportunities and expanded market prospects.