Villagers pick water caltrops in boats. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

A cultural event called the 2024 Water Caltrop Harvest Season took place in Xindi village, Hefu town, Nanxun district, Huzhou on Oct 9. Villagers paddled through lush waters, harvesting fresh water caltrops and reveling in the joy of the season.

Known as "gold ingots of the water", water caltrops are rich in nutrients and are a unique seasonal delicacy. Xindi village, with its favorable conditions, yields high-quality water caltrops that are uniform, soft, sweet, and well-loved among consumers, with per-mu yields exceeding 10,000 yuan ($1,414.95).

The event kicked off with a lively water caltrop harvesting competition. Dozens of villagers navigated in their boats, deftly picking water caltrops from beneath the leaves and swiftly tossing them into their vessels.

"I love these cultural activities and participate in the water caltrop harvest competition every year," said Fei Yuemei, who won first place with an impressive haul of 142.5 kilograms, earning cheers from the crowd.