A thousand tables lined the streets of Hailing Island, with local families and visitors gathering around. Large platters of seafood took center stage, loaded with abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw, squid and more, offering a taste of the sea at its finest.
A grand seafood feast was held in western Guangdong's Yangjiang on the eve of the South China Sea fishing season, which officially starts on August 16.
The feast is a traditional custom of the Tanka people in southern China, who have lived along the coast and on fishing boats for generations. The banquet is held on the eve of the fishing season to pray for a bountiful harvest and safe returns, with boats full of fish and shrimp.
The seafood left a lasting impression on Canadian vlogger Cassie. "I like seafood a lot, and it's my first time eating such fresh seafood with a wide variety. I like shrimp. I like octopus. I actually like all kinds of seafood."
During the feast, a Tanka wedding folk performance also took place. The Tanka people traditionally celebrate weddings on boats, with decorated wedding boats and family members carrying festive items, from poultry to red dates, as part of the rituals.
"I have never seen these kinds of traditions with my own eyes," she added. "From the costumes to all the preparations, I can see that all the people of this city have put a lot of effort into this event."
British vlogger Billy, visiting Hailing Island for the first time, was captivated by the island itself. "I'd heard about it before because I've lived in China for a long time, and people have always told me, 'You must visit this place. This place is really beautiful.'" he said.
"I'm really overwhelmed because it's such a beautiful place. The beach is beautiful. They have these amazing palm trees. The people are friendly. There's so much to eat. So overall, it's the type of place I would love to come to for a weekend away. I'm really enjoying it."
A self-described seafood lover since childhood, Billy said the island felt like a paradise. "If you come to China and you want seafood, you have to come here, because not only is it fresh, but it tastes good. The people are warm, and you're going to leave with a full heart and a full stomach."
Reporter | Chen Jinxia
Photo & Video | Pan Jiajun
