Varieties of fruits are ripening in the farms and gardens of Beijing's suburbs as midsummer approaches. Fruit picking has become a favorite pastime for Beijingers on weekends. Among the large numbers of resorts that offer such services, here are those we recommend---

For cherry picking

Yu Xiang Fruit-Picking and Sightseeing Park at the foot of Fragrant Hill

The park has been created in association with a research institute under the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and thus employs the most advanced agricultural technologies. A number of its cherries are prize-winning species in the Beijing region.

A festival featuring cherry-picking activities is underway at the park. A wide choice of cherries is on offer, including the famed Rainier Cherry which is the sweetest and juiciest and yellow in color. Other picks are the Red Lantern and Great Bigarrean varieties. Cherries of different genera are sectioned in separate areas so visitors can easily distinguish them.

The entrance fee for the park is 100 yuan for each person, which allows 500g of cherries to be picked. Extra money will be charged for more cherries.

Location: Han He Road, Haidian District, Beijing

For apricot picking

Bei Zhai Village, Pinggu District

The village has a history of over 100 years in growing red apricot and camel yellow apricot. The apricots produced here are famous for their pleasant sweet and soft taste.

According to the locals, June is the best time for picking camel yellow apricot. The fruit is oblong shaped. The mature period for red apricot arrives later. The appearance of the red apricot is round and large.

There is no entrance ticket. Visitors can go into the local farmer's garden and pick the apricots. A fee will be charged after picking, and the price will be in accordance to the season.