Rural Jinwan makes an 'impression' with Ag Festival

Photography enthusiasts, foodies, farmers, music lovers, and fitness fanatics are invited to enter various competitions in the ongoing Jinwan District Urban Agriculture Festival.

The festival, now in its second year, opened on June 5 with a diverse range of rural charms. Except for watermelon picking, most events run until October without a fixed venue. Golden Beach is the main venue during the Oct 1-7 National Day holiday week.

The "Jinwan Impression" Competition Series judges photography and micro videos from any Zhuhai residents and holds an essay contest for Jinwan primary and middle school students. Prize rules vary, but there is a chance of taking home 20,000 yuan ($3,130) by winning the micro-video contest, according to the organizing committee.

Watermelons grown in Jinwan

Another event is 30-km hike which must be made within 8 hours. Contestants must raise funds in a creative way for charity. Also on the program is a singing competition, which is looking for beautiful voices from Jinwan's villages; the final round to be held during the October holiday.

Participants can also sample Jinwan cuisine, with a host of local dishes on offer. And there will be votes to select the best-skilled farmers, agricultural products, "model" rural families, and most beautiful rural residences. The contests will showcase Jinwan's potential as a demonstration area for urban agriculture.

The greatest numbers of participants reportedly are entering those competitions with the largest rewards and prizes. The event is guided, coordinated, and supervised by the leadership group of the Jinwan District Ocean, Agriculture & Water Bureau.

Festival press conference [Photos by Zhang Zhou / Zhuhai Daily]