A young girl tucks into some ripe fruit at the opening of the apricot picking festival in Dongwusutu village, on July 8. The festival – currently underway in Hohhot, capital of North China's Inner Mongolia region – runs to July 17. [Photo by He Xin/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Sun-kissed apricots hang heavy on the branches of a tree, waiting to be picked, in a Hohhot village. [Photo by He Xin/For chinadaily.com.cn]

A proud farmer shows off apricots he has grown. [Photo by He Xin/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Plump, juicy apricots now cover trees in the region. This year's festival is being held simultaneously in Dongwusutu, Xiwusutu, Yuanshanzi and Bakouzi villages in Huimin district, Hohhot. [Photo by He Xin/For chinadaily.com.cn]