Autumn has arrived in Qilu, and the sun-drying of autumn crops is in full swing. However, in the autumn of Shandong in 2026, this activity has gained new attention: it is no longer just a farming practice for personal viewing, but is becoming a dialogue between the countryside and the outside world.

One is in an ancient village. In Zhuquan Village in Yinan, the tradition of drying autumn crops has remained unchanged for more than 400 years. Corn, chili peppers, and verdant bamboo set off the clear spring water. The crops are real, the villagers are the ones doing the drying, and life goes on as usual, only with more people watching. In Zhujiayu, Zhangqiu, the autumn drying is set against the backdrop of an ancient village, with Lu Opera, Shandong storytelling, and handicraft experiences layered together, bringing the elegance of the ancient village to life.

Yuncheng's Water Margin Heroes City has launched the "Heroes' Autumn Drying Carnival Season". Autumn drying serves as the entry point, where visitors can enjoy sitcoms and folk performances during the day, and watch iron-smelting displays and light and shadow shows at night. Tianmeng Mountain in Feixian County has transformed autumn drying into a performance art. A cornfield is food in a farmer's courtyard, a scene on the scenic area's wall, and emotions on a mobile phone screen.

What is always harvested during the autumn sun-drying season is the harvest. But in 2026, Shandong also harvested another layer: the countryside knew what it had and found a way to let people see it.

大众网记者 王晓姝 菏泽报道