Ancient Fujian village draws visitors with traditional harvest displays, rural charm

An ancient village in east China's Fujian Province has entered its peak season for "shaiqiu," a traditional agricultural custom of drying autumn harvests in the sunshine, attracting a steady stream of visitors eager to experience traditional autumn harvest displays and authentic rural flavors.

Villagers of Guifeng, a historic village boasting 39 well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty (1368-1912) structures, dotted the village with bamboo trays of golden corn, red chili peppers, and rice, creating a vibrant autumn display that is drawing crowds.

To welcome the visitors, the village has introduced new photo spots, harvest markets, and folk-custom experiences.

"I think the crop sun-drying here has such a great atmosphere, and that's why I came. It really feels like home. Look at these local foods like tofu, they are the flavors of childhood," said a visitor.

Alongside sightseeing, visitors can explore other heritage-inspired experiences that showcase the village's deep-rooted rural charm. Guifeng has expanded its local businesses to include guesthouses, catering, cultural and creative products, and heritage-themed photography, and local authorities have upgraded roads and parking facilities to accommodate the influx of tourism.

"Guifeng Village is full of historic charm, and I've also tasted many specialty foods here. It gives me a very authentic rural atmosphere with an exceptionally strong immersive experience," said another visitor.

Drawing an average of nearly 2,000 tourists daily during the peak harvest season, the integration of culture and tourism has successfully translated the village's heritage into tangible economic gains for local residents.

Ancient Fujian village draws visitors with traditional harvest displays, rural charm

Ancient Fujian village draws visitors with traditional harvest displays, rural charm

Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met with a delegation led by Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, in Beijing on Wednesday.

Li, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the nature of China-EU trade relations is complementarity of strengths and mutual benefit.

As comprehensive strategic partners, China and the EU can fully find mutually beneficial solutions through equal dialogue, Li said, adding that the NPC is willing to work with the European Parliament to consolidate the sound momentum of exchanges and play a positive role in promoting the sound and stable development of China-EU ties.

Lange said the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade stands ready to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the Chinese side and promote the stable and balanced growth of EU-China trade.

Senior Chinese legislator meets European Parliament trade committee delegation