As the three-and-a-half-month fishing moratorium in the South China Sea comes to a close on August 16, the shores of Guangdong are abuzz with the return of the fishing season and its freshest catches and festivities.
The annual ban has been imposed since 1999, covering the waters north to 12 degrees north latitude of the South China Sea. It has been a part of China's effort to promote sustainable marine fishery development and improve marine ecology.
With the sea's bounty back on the table, grab your appetite and set sail for a feast that's truly worth the wait!
Shenzhen Shekou: A carnival of freshness
In Shenzhen, the Shekou Fishing Port is hosting a 15-day "Fishing Festival Carnival" from August 16 to 30. The event invites seafood lovers to taste the "first bite of autumn" as the port brings in a bounty of crabs, lobsters, shrimps, groupers, and clams straight from the sea. The bustling market atmosphere, coupled with the charm of Shekou's old streets and the romantic sunset views along the seaside promenade, make this an unmissable experience for both locals and visitors.
(Photo: Shenzhen Fabu)
(Photo: Shekou Television Station)
Shanwei: Fishing season extravaganza
Shanwei is rolling out an array of 11 activities from August 16 to 18 to mark the start of its fishing season. The city will come alive with a seafood dry goods market, the Second Road "Fishing Night Market," a seafood banquet, auctions of prime catches, and traditional cultural performances. Here, the fusion of time-honored customs and the tantalizing flavors of the sea promise a special experience.
(Photo: Shanwei Daily)
(Photo: Guangdong Fabu)
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
Jiangmen: The race for freshness
In Jiangmen, the festivities kick off on August 16 in Taishan's Beidou Town and continue with the sixth annual Fishing Festival on Naqin Peninsula on August 17. The celebrations will feature a joyous parade, martial arts performances, and a grand seafood feast.
(Photo: Jiangmen Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
For a truly authentic seafood journey, visitors can head to Shangchuan Island's Shadi Fishing Port or the Heshan Fishing Port, where they can purchase fresh catches directly from the fishermen and have them cooked in nearby restaurants. Besides, the seafood street in Duhu Town is lined with stalls and restaurants specializing in the day's freshest offerings.
(Photo: Jiangmen Municipal Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau)
Yangjiang: Fresh catches on early mornings
During the fishing period, Yangjiang's fishing ports are a hive of activity from the early hours, as boats laden with squids, ribbonfish, mackerels, crabs, and shrimps return to shore. For the freshest catch, many gourmets rise with the sun and head to the bustling markets at Zhapo, Dongping, and Yangxi ports. After selecting their seafood, diners can enjoy a feast prepared at one of the nearby bustling food stalls, where the catch goes from boat to plate in just a few hours. You can even bring your own seafood to be prepared by skilled chefs in those eateries.
(Photo: Nanfang Daily)
This year's Nanhai (Yangjiang) Fishing Festival will last until August 19. It includes 19 cultural and tourism activities, such as the 2024 Yangjiang International Kite Invitational, a glow-in-the-dark kite carnival, and beach concerts, ensuring that the festivities extend beyond just food.
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
Zhanjiang: A seafood lover's paradise
Zhanjiang, famed for its seafood, kicks off its Seafood Festival on August 16. With four major venues spread across Wushi, Naozhou, Jianghong, and the Fisherman's Wharf, visitors can indulge in a variety of marine delicacies such as eel, red snapper, grouper, and squid. The early morning and afternoon markets are the prime times to buy the freshest seafood. Those seeking a unique dining experience can enjoy seafood fresh off the boat at local eateries.
(Photo: Zhanjiang Fabu)
(Photo: Nanfang Plus)
Those looking for a unique dining experience can bring their seafood fresh off the boat to a nearby restaurant, ask the restaurant to help cook it, and then eat it on the premises.
(Photo: Zhanjiang Fabu)
Reporter: Holly
Poster: Mia, Rose Lee (intern)
Editor: Will, James
