Autumn water caltrop harvest draws crowds

As autumn deepens, the water caltrops at Chongming district's Changxing Island Country Park have quietly ripened. The park has launched a special water caltrop-harvesting activity, attracting a large number of visitors to experience this unique aspect of the autumn harvest.

The water caltrops at Chongming district's Changxing Island Country Park are ready for picking. [Photo/WeChat account: shchongming]

Half of the lotus flowers are still in full bloom in the park's lotus pond, while the other half are covered with lush green caltrop leaves. Visitors, equipped with waterproof attire, enter the pond under the guidance of experienced pickers to learn harvesting techniques.

Visitors step into the pond wearing waterproof pants. [Photo/WeChat account: shchongming]

The red caltrops are characterized by their plump and ingot-shaped appearance when ripe. They can be eaten raw for a refreshing sweet taste when eaten raw, or a soft, glutinous texture when cooked. Many visitors, trying harvesting for the first time, quickly fill their baskets with excitement.

The red caltrops are plump and ingot-shaped when ripe. [Photo/WeChat account: shchongming]

"I used to buy water caltrops at the market — I never knew I could pick them myself. It's such a fun experience!" said one visitor.

A visitor is smiling with a basket of water caltrops in her hands. [Photo/WeChat account: shchongming]

The harvest activities are scheduled to continue throughout October. Additionally, the park offers other enriching experiences such as lotus picking and boating, attracting a large number of visitors. Over a hundred visitors participate in these activities every weekend and on public holidays, making them an annual autumn tradition.

Come and join us for a unique autumn adventure!

Source: Official WeChat account of Shanghai Chongming Media Center at "shchongming"