The fourth Chinese Farmer Harvest Festival and the second China Shandong International Apple Festival opened in Yantai, Shandong province on Sept 23.

The two events are focused on the city's agricultural development. Specialties such as apples, pears and grapes were displayed at the opening ceremony.

The apple industry has become a main driver in promoting the rural economy and helping increase farmers' incomes in Yantai. In 2020, the output value of the apple industry reached 5.26 billion ($813.5 million) yuan.

Yantai has taken a series of measures to promote the high-quality development of the city's apple industry, including the renovation and upgrading of old orchards and establishing an innovation platform.

The brand value of Yantai apples has exceeded 14.5 billion yuan, ranking first among China's fruit brands for the past 12 years. Yantai apples are exported to more than 30 countries and regions across the world.

Apples of various varieties are on display at the second China Shandong International Apple Festival on Sept 23. [Photo/dzwww.com]

Visitors taste Yantai apples at the opening ceremony for the second China Shandong International Apple Festival on Sept 23. [Photo/dzwww.com]

A century-old apple plantation in Penglai district, Yantai [Photo/dzwww.com]