It may be a freezing cold winter's day outside, but that's not stopping people from coming to shop at a farmer's market in the suburbs of Changchun, Jilin province.

There's a wide range of items here to meet the local needs. [Photo by Wuran/xwh.cn]

Not only that, but the sidewalks of the area, Fufeng, are actually bustling with shoppers bargaining with vendors, with locals coming to get their usual necessities, while others just take delight in the hustle and bustle of the place, which reminds them of their childhood.

A vendor taking a break with a bowl of instant noodles for breakfast. [Photo by Wuran/xwh.cn]

One of the enthusiasts is Lao (‘Old’) Zhang, a retired engineer who often went to farmer's markets in a village as a child, years ago, with his parents 60 years ago, and remarks with excitement, "I was always happy when they [his parents] took me to the market where I could saw all kinds of people and taste different foods. A slice of pig's head was really amazing."

A vendor setting up a heated shed to keep her goods warm. [Photo by Wuran/xwh.cn]

So, Zhang has brought his grandson with him to the market to let him "feel the excitement" that he felt many years ago. Unfortunately, for today's younger generation, who have grown up in the big city and are more familiar with shopping malls or supermarkets and other options and an abundance of toys, a simple farmer's market can seem really remote and only good for a short trip.

Fresh fish are always a popular item at the market. A vendor setting up a heated shed to keep her goods warm. [Photo by Wuran/xwh.cn]

But, for Lao Zhang and for many others like him, and some of them not so old, it's still a place with a bit of childhood flavor and a sense of happiness.

Some freshly cooked meat smells and tastes really good. [Photo by Wuran/xwh.cn]