As the Minor Heat, the 11th solar term of the year, arrives, farmers in Qingdao, Shandong province are busy doing agricultural affairs and farming activities to guarantee harvest in autumn.

Minor Heat begins on July 7 and ends on July 22 this year. In China, the 24 solar terms were created thousands of years ago to guide agricultural production.

Farmers use drones to spray pesticides at a corn field in Jimo district, Qingdao, Shandong province. Industry-specific drones are playing a critical role in improving work efficiency, addressing agricultural labor shortages and improving the safety of agricultural production. [Photo/Guanhai News]

A farmer picks tomatoes at a plantation in Qingdao. Now it's time for summer planting, harvesting, and filed management and other operations to ensure the harvest of autumn grain. [Photo/Guanhai News]

A farmer picks cucumbers at a plantation in Qingdao. Summer is a busy season for farmers. [Photo/Guanhai News]

A farmer works at a vineyard in Qingdao. Improvements in agricultural technologies and techniques have ensured the sector's overall growth in Qingdao. [Photo/Guanhai News]