Danilo Todorovic-Novosiljcev and his daughter show off high-quality grapes in the Malu Grape Theme Park. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
Amidst the scorching summer heat, the taste of fresh, juicy grapes offers the perfect respite.
The 24th Shanghai Malu Grape Cultural Festival kicked off on July 5, attracting some foreign families to the Malu Grape Art Village in Shanghai's Jiading district to experience the rural summer bustle.
In the Malu Grape Theme Park, British visitor Danilo Todorovic-Novosiljcev and his daughter Sia indulged in freshly picked grapes from local farmers. The vineyard boasted a variety of grapes with a diverse array of shapes and colors.
"I have lived in Jiading for many years and know that Malu town in Jiading has a very well-established grape production chain. We chose our favorite Sunlight Red grapes and plan to let my daughter pick them herself," Danilo said.
Danilo Todorovic-Novosiljcev and his daughter pick grapes. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
The Sunlight Red grapes, scientifically known as Malu Grape No 1, are an exclusive variety developed by the Malu Grape Research Institute. The institute has expanded the cultivation of Malu Grape No 1 this year, with an estimated total yield of 10,000 kilograms, making it the flagship product for online sales.
In the grape greenhouse, the foreign families learned to select and harvest ripe grapes. Sia meticulously selected her favorite bunch, carefully cutting the grapevine. "Although it's very hot today, I find it very fun. I want to pick more to take home so I can savor them properly," she said.
Scott Kyle Stockton from the United States explored the intangible cultural heritage market at the festival. "This market is very interesting, with many intangible heritage stalls to experience," said Stockton while showcasing the prints and knots he made.
The annual Shanghai Malu Grape Cultural Festival helps both domestic and international tourists better understand the integrated development of rural culture and tourism in Malu town.
Scott Kyle Stockton has fun at the intangible cultural heritage market. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]