Children unleash their creativity with paintbrushes in the orchard. [Photo/Qilu Evening News]

An immersive parent-child apple picking event occurred at an orchard in Muping district, Yantai, East China's Shandong province, blending agricultural tourism with cultural education.

This "Follow the Apple to Travel" event attracted over 10 families who participated in experiential learning and recreational activities centered around Yantai's iconic apple industry. The event featured four key segments: an educational session on apple cultivation, a tasting of diverse apple varieties and processed products, an art creation activity under apple trees, and a final fruit-picking session.

The program mixes entertainment with knowledge, allowing children to learn about apple growth cycles, local agricultural history, and modern eco-farming practices directly from orchard specialists. Participants sampled fresh apple varieties and products like apple chips and juice, gaining insight into the fruit's versatility.

During the creative workshop, children painted on long canvases featuring apple motifs and local landmarks, enhancing their connection to regional culture. The event concluded with a hands-on harvesting experience, where families picked apples to take home.

One parent, Wu Yinping, noted that the activity offered both fun and meaningful education, helping children better understand Yantai's agricultural heritage while enjoying nature.

The event illustrates Yantai's growing trend of integrating local specialty industries with tourism to create new recreational-educational formats that promote regional culture and agritourism.