An agricultural event was held in Jinan, Shandong province, on Sept 23 and 24 as the city celebrated the Chinese Farmers' Harvest Festival, which coincides with the autumnal equinox.

This also ranks as one of the 24 solar terms according to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. It usually falls between Sept 22 and 24, during the agricultural harvest season. This year's festival fell on Sept 23.

More than 160 companies from 14 districts and counties in Jinan showcased over 1,000 products such as millet, green onions, ginger, rose essential oil, and sausages. The exhibition aimed to share the latest achievements in the development of modern agriculture in Jinan with local residents.

By providing a platform integrating production and sales, and highlighting the special produce from this year's harvest, the event aimed to strengthen and expand agricultural brands, bringing tangible benefits to more farmers.

As the festival continues to grow in importance, it has emerged as a key platform stimulating the economies of rural areas and boosting rural vitalization.

This year Jinan has launched a raft of activities such as exhibitions of agricultural products, traditional cultural performances, and carnivals showcasing agricultural brands at the city, district, street and village levels.

The city aims to showcase the achievements of rural vitalization and the new image of farmers, stimulating the enthusiasm of rural residents to create better lives for themselves and rallying support for the rural vitalization drive from society as a whole.