In the golden autumn, the orchards of Guiyang City and Gui'an New Area in Southwest China's Guizhou province, have ushered in the picking season, with bumper harvest scenes stretching across the hills and fields. On weekends, bring your family and friends to the orchards and enjoy the joy of fruit picking.

Grapes

Autumn grapes are known for their thick bloom and rich aroma. The picking period runs from August to October.

Recommended picking locations: Jianshan Grape Base in Shuitang village, Yongle township, Nanming district; Premium Grape Base in Ludishao village, Hongfenghu town, Qingzhen county-level city; Xinbao Grape Picking Garden in Wudang district; Qianfeng Ecological Agriculture in Huaxi district; Mengyu Taohuadao Farm in Nanming district.

Sun-kissed grapes ripen on the vine at an orchard in Wudang district. [Photo/WeChat account of Wudang district]

Kiwi fruit

Green-fleshed kiwi fruit is the vitamin C champion of autumn, with an elongated shape and emerald green flesh, offering a perfectly balanced sweet-and-tart ratio. Once softened, it fills with juicy nectar, delivering a mouthful of clear sweetness and fruity fragrance.

The picking period is concentrated from mid-to-late September to late October.

Recommended picking locations: Pingtan village, Gubao town, Xiuwen county; Yuguowan Kiwi Fruit Ecological Garden; Hongyuan Breeding Farm in Xiuwen county; Xiuwen Kiwi Fruit Premium Garden.

Kiwi fruit hang on the tree branches at an orchard in Xiuwen county. [Photo/WeChat account of Xiuwen county]

Passion fruit

Autumn passion fruit boasts an intense fruity aroma. When cut open, the pulp is juicy with distinct seeds, offering a sweet-and-sour interplay and rich layers of fragrance. It is equally suitable for scooping out and eating directly, infusing in water, or mixing with yogurt.

The picking period lasts from August to November.

Recommended picking locations: Huangmu village, Nanmudu town, Kaiyang county; Niangzi Manor in Xifeng county.

August melon

The autumn August melon is a unique surprise found in Guizhou's mountains and wilderness. The fruit is purplish-red and resembles a small banana. When ripe, it naturally splits open to reveal translucent, milky-white flesh with a soft, glutinous texture and a sweet taste, carrying a subtle milky, honeyed fragrance.

The picking period is concentrated from September to October.

Recommended picking locations: Pingshang village, Yongjing town, Xifeng county; Chetian village, Huchao township, Gui'an New Area; Listen's Shine Manor.

Yellow peaches

Autumn yellow peaches are large, thin-skinned, thick-fleshed, and small-cored. A bite delivers a crisp burst of juice, sweet with a hint of tartness – refreshing and not cloying.

The picking period is from August to September.

Recommended picking location: Yongle township, Nanming district.

Ripe peaches hang among lush green leaves at an orchard in Wudang district. [Photo/WeChat account of Wudang district]

Pears

Autumn pears are the gentlest comfort during dry seasons. With thin skin and a small core, a bite offers clear sweetness and crispness, with juice spreading between the lips and teeth. The grit is almost imperceptible, leaving only a mouthful of moisture and nourishment.

The picking period lasts from late August to September.

Recommended picking location: Wudang Gaoshanhong Ecological Agriculture Park.