Visitors come to see the straw rolls. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Golden rice fields in Hangzhou are turning into unexpected internet sensations this autumn — thanks to what netizens call "Swiss rolls".

These aren't desserts but bundles of straw rolled up after harvest, scattered across the fields of Yuhang, Fuyang, Jiande, and Xihu. Each roll stands half as tall as a person, wrapped neatly in white mesh, glowing like creamy pastries under the autumn sun.

In Shuangpu town near Tongjian Lake, hundreds of these straw rolls dot the farmland next to flower fields, attracting waves of visitors. "They're beautiful and practical," said local farmer Zheng Jianjun, who has grown rice for over 20 years. "Before, we had to handle straw disposal ourselves, which was costly and time-consuming. Now the government takes charge of collecting the straw — it's faster and saves money."

Once collected, the straw is reused as fertilizer, animal feed, or biomass fuel — giving the fields a "cream cake" of nutrients and reducing waste.

What began as a new method for eco-friendly straw recycling has now become an unexpected form of rural art. On sunny weekends, crowds flock to take photos, climb the rolls, or pose beside them. Visitor numbers at Tongjian Lake's flower fields have reached 20,000 a day.

Straw is collected by the local government. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]