A chickpea-growing county in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is entering a busy harvest season, with large harvesters working across contiguous fields at local planting bases to fulfill preorders in a new farming model.
This year, the chickpea planting area in Kazak Autonomous County of Barkol in Hami has reached over 13,000 mu (about 866.67 hectares).
All the chickpeas are grown under an order-based farming model: farmers sign contracts with buyers before planting, and companies collect and purchase the harvested crops in a unified manner. This approach effectively cushions farmers against market volatility and stabilizes their income.
The harvesting is expected to be completed by early October.
Xinjiang chickpea growers harvest under new farming model
During the National Day holiday, a lively shaomai food festival has drawn large crowds to Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, with residents and visitors savoring the traditional delicacy and trying their hand at making it themselves.
Boasting a history of at least 700 years, shaomai is a beloved steamed dumpling known for its cylindrical shape and pleated, flower-like top. The traditional craft of making it is officially recognized as an Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region-level intangible cultural heritage item.
The festival kicked off on October 1 at Saishang Old Street, Hohhot's most vibrant and bustling commercial hub, blending tradition with innovation. Alongside classic mutton-filled shaomai, vendors are introducing creative new flavors to cater to diverse tastes. To amplify the celebration, local authorities have partnered with e-commerce platforms and businesses to distribute consumption vouchers across more than 60 restaurants, driving a sharp rise in foot traffic and dining revenue throughout the district.
"It really brought the holiday spirit to life. I hope the aroma of our shaomai travels far and wide, drawing friends from all over the country to visit us in Hohhot," said Mr. Zhang, a local resident.
The three-day event immersed visitors in a mix of food, culture, shopping and entertainment, injecting fresh momentum into the local holiday economy.
"The Shaomai Festival is a major part of our holiday events, attracting huge crowds of residents and tourists to come and taste the food. Foot traffic and dining spending have grown significantly compared with the same period last year. As a signature local delicacy, shaomai is truly fueling a booming holiday economy in Hohhot," said Xue Jianli, an official from the Hohhot Municipal Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio and Television.
Shaomai Festival whets appetites, boosts holiday spending in Inner Mongolia
