Beekeeper's life a hive of activity

[Photo by Ju Chuanjiang/China Daily]

"The flavor (of the honey) not only changes every season but varies by location."

In autumn, says Chen, bees favor the flowers of the linden tree in Jilin province, which gives honey a rich sweet taste. The flowers from rape and the locust tree dominate the flavors of the spring honey.

Usually Chen selects a location within a 20 kilometers radius of the flowers for his bees. Chen's hives are housed in wooden boxes with a hole for an entrance. Everyday, hundreds of bees pour out of the boxes and another group of bees fly in with pollen tucked under their appendages.

"Bees are strict with the environment. They especially hate the smell of agricultural chemicals," Chen says. "A clean environment is essential to both the quantity and quality of the honey."

Being with bees for 16 years, Chen is familiar with bee politics.

"Knowing the bee kingdom helps you to raise them better," Chen says.