Chi Xinggang, a farmer from Wafangdian of Dalian, felt relaxed as his 15,000 kilograms of sweet potatoes were finally sold out over the weekend.

He took 4,500 kg of sweet potatoes to a free market in the Xigang district of downtown Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning province, on May 26. They were sold out within three hours.

The next day, he cleared off his stock.

The 6,000 square meter, first "weekend market" in Dalian opened on May 19.

According to Chen Qinghai, deputy director of the Xigang bureau of commerce, the weekend market is free, charging farmers no fees.

It aims to connect the farmers and their customers directly, reducing the middle men and lowering costs, Chen said.

Farmers and residents alike have welcomed the initiative. On May 26 alone, about 100 tons of produce and other products were sold, according to the bureau.

On May 27, Tang Jun, Party chief of Dalian, visited the market. Hearing that some volunteers were helping Chi Xinggang selling sweet potatoes, he went to Chi's stand.

Tang talked with Chi about the output, quality and sales of the sweet potatoes and encouraged him to sell out his supply.

When some people took photos of him, Tang stopped them, saying "Don't focus on me, focus on the sweet potatoes please. Help our farmers."

Chi said he is grateful to the volunteers who helped him sell his produce and those who opened the weekend market. He told two farmers from his village about the market, and they have sold produce as well.

Residents of Dalian are thrilled with the market.

A woman surnamed Chen said the vegetables and eggs are fresh and because of the market, she doesn't need to go to the countryside to buy fresh produce.

In September, Beijing set up several weekend markets for farmers to sell vegetables directly in the communities. The Ministry of Commerce later released a notice to promote Beijing's experience around the country to provide cheaper and better vegetables to the residents. Since then, many cities, including Shanghai, Zhengzhou and Tianjin, opened weekend markets.