Beginning on September 13, the one-month Chongming Forest Tourism Festival will kick off providing city and rural people alike with a chance to get close to nature.

The festival, into its sixth year, will highlight the beauty of the forests, wetlands and other rural areas of Chongming Island - China's third largest island. It includes various activities held in the Dongping National Forest Park, the largest artificial forest park in east China, and the "Nongjiale" program that enables tourists to experience the rustic life of the local farmers.

"Chongming has the best ecological environment among the city's districts and county, so developing a tourist island is one of our goals," said Zhu Yilin, Chongming County deputy director.

In the forest park, a grass skiing competition is being organized for the first time. Originating from snow skiing, grass skiing is possible with the aid of the declining grasslands and tracks with wheels and stay bars.

The park will provide the equipment, including a helmet, stay bars and knee pads, to participants.

Beginners can try this exciting sports on a 7,000-square-meter grassy area under the guidance of professional coaches.

In addition, visitors can join in the "Forest Exploration," visiting an exhibition of wood fossils that grew nearly 200 million years ago. Uncovered on the border of China and Myanmar, the longest fossil measures 13 meters. It is the largest wood fossil ever discovered.

The "Nongjiale" program, which gives participants the opportunity to live the life of a farmer involves farming and living in a farmer's home. Three villages have been selected in this famous tourism project.

In Qianwei Village in the middle of the island, travelers can experience rural life, folk music and dance performances and throw silk balls to select a "husband." They can also observe the process of making clothes from cotton, tread the waterwheel, turn a millstone and sit in the bridal sedan chair.

In the eastern Yingdong Village, visitors can experience a fisherman's life for one day. Just like the fishermen, they can go fishing, catch crabs and watch the sunrise and sunset. A scientific investigation into the renowned Dongtan wetland is also included.

In western Lugang Village, tourists will pick oranges and observe cricket fights.

"The programs allow tourists to get close to nature. They can also live in a farmer's home which is much cheaper than hotels," said Lu Lixin, deputy director of the bureau. "The programs are not only fun for tourists but help farmers raise their income."

(eastday.com August 23, 2003)