The 2016 Dianshan Lake Rice Festival will open on Nov 12. [Photo from WeChat account dianshanlake]

Visitors to Dianshan Lake in western Shanghai can get a real taste of life in ancient China on Nov 12 when the town's popular annual rice festival returns once more.

Set in the golden rice fields overlooking the beautiful lake, the festival allows visitors to watch farmers at work harvesting the rice.

Or, if you are feeling more active, you can plunge into life as a farmer in old Shanghai yourself, using traditional farming tools to cut, bask and thresh the rice.

People can use ancient farm tools, and cut, bask and thresh rice at the festival. [Photo from WeChat account dianshanlake]

Once you have worked up a sweat, you will be served up a rural feast of special local dishes. You will also be able to sample many different kinds of rice, and vote for your favorite one.

And your walk down memory lane will be completed with a chance to try out the traditional games that were popular among children in Shanghai in the old days, such as marbles, hoop rolling and Chinese rubber band skipping. There will even be a "paddy Olympics" to find out who is the best at each game!

There is no advance booking necessary; anyone wishing to take part in the festival can turn up on the day. The festival entrance is at the corner of Huangpujiang Road and Shidun Road.

People can sample various kinds of rice and vote for their favorite one. [Photo from WeChat account dianshanlake]