With great care, Cui meticulously wipes the dust off each melon displayed on the ground. "My life revolves around these melons. They are my treasures," he says with a smile.
Cui's story is featured in the newly released documentary series Market's Legends currently airing on Tencent Video, Fujian Straits satellite TV and Southeast TV. This six-episode series provides an immersive exploration of six periodic markets in China, highlighting authentic local cuisine, fresh vegetables and the vibrant tapestry of everyday life.
Periodic bazaars, many first formed in rural areas, unlike regular markets, are expansive and only operate on specific days each month, for example, the first or 15th day of the Chinese lunar calendar months. On the monthly open market day, the atmosphere is electric.
The dynamic environment captured the attention of general director Wang Shengzhi and executive director Yang Yan, prompting them to embark on this fascinating filming journey.
While exploring and filming these outdoor markets, Wang experienced a profound sense of nostalgia. Time seems to stand still, with goods and food remaining almost unchanged from decades ago, reflecting a timeless simplicity in the hearts of the vendors.
"The markets are still thriving, untouched by trendy internet-famous snacks and other novelties," Wang says.
"Each bazaar offers products unique to the local area. And when vendors gather, they are like old friends chatting a lot, with few using their phones to kill time."
