In a lively interview at the Yellow River Market in Qianwang Village, located in the Shantang Town of Dezhou City, we were surrounded by an array of seasonal farm products—golden rice, deep purple grapes, and vibrant red peppers, all fresh and ready for eager shoppers. Vendors displayed large, fresh items like South American shrimp, Yellow River carp, and rice field crabs, all greeting market-goers with their lively movements.

Wang Xichang, the Party Secretary of Qianwang Village, shared his insights on the region’s agricultural evolution. “In the past, our grain yields were low, and the marketplace primarily featured everyday necessities. Today, however, we are blessed with an abundance of fish, meat, eggs, milk, and a wide variety of fruits,” he noted with pride.

The county has made significant strides in developing high-standard farmland, focusing on transforming saline-alkali soils. Zhang Xiukui, the head of the Cultural and Tourism Bureau in Qingyun County, highlighted, “This year alone, we hosted 160 events for the Yellow River Market series, generating over 2.6 million RMB in increased revenue for local farmers.”

The market atmosphere was electric, with the sounds of vendors calling out their offerings from fruits and vegetables freshly picked from the earth to fragrant old-fashioned roasted sweet potatoes and rich sesame oil made via traditional stone grinding. The market best showcased the local delight of freshly harvested pears, apples, and walnuts, drawing in locals and tourists.

At another bustling market in Liangjia Town, Wang Minglian, owner of a family-run farm, enthusiastically offered steaming jujubes to customers. “Our jujubes are uniquely firm and sweet-tart, perfect for steaming or even quick-freezing like dumplings,” she said, emphasizing their variety from autumn harvests.

Nearby, on the stage at the Da Wu cultural market in Tengzhou City, performances filled the air with energy and excitement. Zhang Hanhong, a local villager, mentioned, “By coming here, I not only enjoy the market’s offerings but also get to witness vibrant cultural performances—our village life is becoming richer every day.”

The market stalls overflowed with local crafts and delicious regional specialties like lamb skewers, fragrant pork dishes, and various snacks, all enticing visitors.

In a unique twist, the “Farmer’s Market” in a scenic area of Linyi City showcased colorful “grain paintings,” where traditional artisans created artwork using local grains. Visitors were encouraged to try their hands at crafting these vibrant pieces, bringing joy and creativity to the community.

Another noteworthy event, the “Autumn Rhythm” market in Gaomi City, launched a series of cultural activities. As the sound of traditional tunes filled the air, attendees were drawn to the hot, delicious Gaomi furnace buns as well as a rich variety of local delicacies and international products from different cultures.

Visitors moved through the market aisles, mingling, bargaining, and savoring the rich cultural experiences available. In recent years, Gaomi City has worked to enhance its local resources, developing a lively consumer landscape with nighttime markets and festive activities that fuel economic growth and community spirit.