Winter is normally the slack season for farming, but an area of countryside near Beijing is still busy this winter.

Many city dwellers are choosing to spend their weekends outdoors - and out of town.

In Miyun, a county two hours' drive from the city center, visitors are enjoying life in the countryside by harvesting fresh fruits and breathing clean air.

"These jujube trees are pesticide-free, so it's a 100 percent natural, and tastes great."

To meet the increasing number of travelers in the upcoming Spring Festival holidays, farmers are preparing their homemade goods for visitors.

"This is the flour for cooking dinner on the New Year Eve according to our traditions, i've made them ready so that visitors to my house can have a try on their own."

(CRI.com January 24, 2005)