Rooted in a thousand-year-old agricultural tradition, the practice of sun-drying autumn crops reflects the wisdom of China’s ancient farming civilization. Originally a practical response to the terrain of southern hills and southwestern mountains, this method transformed the daily labor of harvesting into a vibrant seasonal ritual.

As golden rice, fiery red chilies, and bright orange persimmons ripen, villagers make creative use of their limited hillside space. Drying racks appear in front of and behind homes, while bamboo trays are placed on windowsills and rooftops—each one showcasing a mosaic of color beneath the autumn sun. Through this natural process, crops are preserved in both form and flavor.

Yetin Huangling—a breathtaking ancient village perched on a cliff—this traditional practice has evolved into something far greater. Through visionary thinking and pioneering efforts, Huangling has reimagined "autumn sun-drying" from a subsistence farming technique into a cultural symbol—one that is seen, experienced, and passed on.

Unlike elsewhere, where sun-drying remains a private, functional task, Huangling was the first to recognize the striking visual narrative created by rows of bamboo trays and drying racks cascading across terraced hillsides. These vivid arrangements became a language of their own—a seasonal spectacle set against blue-tiled roofs and whitewashed walls, resonating deeply with visitors’ sense of nostalgia and cultural curiosity.

By preserving the traditional rhythm—bamboo shoots and ferns in spring, melons in summer, persimmons in autumn, cured meats in winter—while introducing interactive, immersive experiences, Huangling invites urban travelers to step into the scene. Here, tourists can turn rice under the sun, pose within a living postcard of harvest hues, and reconnect with a slower, earth-rooted way of life.

This creative revival of tradition has not only revitalized the local economy but also earned international recognition. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) praised Huangling as a benchmark in “transforming regional folk customs into sustainable tourism resources,” highlighting its success in preserving the DNA of agrarian culture while empowering traditional skills through tourism.

From scenic viewing platforms and “Autumn Sun-Drying Homestays” to lively harvest festivals, every innovation in Huangling embodies the philosophy:tradition as the root, creativity as the soul. In doing so, Huangling has elevated autumn sun-drying beyond its regional roots, transforming it into a shining example of cultural tourism’s “creative transformation and innovative development.”