From September 10 to 20, the 28th China (Xiangshan) Fishing Festival was held in Shipu, Xiangshan County, Ningbo. Rooted in the traditional fishing and sea-worship practices of conventional fishermen from China's east coast, the festival is centered around the theme "Our Ocean, Our Duty; Our Gratitude". It includes rituals such as sea worship, boat launching ceremonies, and Mazu pilgrimage, forming an annual maritime folk celebration rich in fishing culture and coastal charm. Xiangshan boasts abundant fishery resources, with high yields and broad markets for both fresh seafood and processed marine products. Let's explore some of the delicious seafood items available.
1. Yellow Croaker
After the fishing season begins, numerous fishing vessels set out to catch various types of seafood, among which live wild yellow croaker has always been highly popular. Yellow croaker, a species of fish belonging to the Sciaenidae familywithin the order Perciformes, is named for its yellow-brown back, golden-yellow belly, and grayish-yellow fins. It is widely distributed in the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, East China Sea, and the northern part of the Taiwan Strait. Valued for its tender texture and high nutritional value, fresh yellow croaker can be easily prepared by steaming or braising to create a uniquely delicious dish.
Live yellow croaker is specifically classified under HS code 0302.8920, while frozen yellow croaker falls under 0303.8920.
2. Bombay Duck
Scientifically known as Harpadon nehereus, this fish has an elongated, soft, and cylindrical body. It is named for its dragonhead-like appearance and is also honored as the "Little White Dragon of the East China Sea". The fish appears jade-white and has a tender, smooth texture. Xie Chaofu,a poet from the Qing Dynasty, once praised it with the verse: "Jade's pale glow, silk's gentle sway. A ruby maw,A taste beyond compares". After the fishing season begins, Bombay duck becomes an affordable and widely enjoyed delicacy. Common cooking methods such as steaming or braising enhance its natural freshness.
Bombay duck is not separately specified in the Tariff. Live Bombay duck is classified under HS code 0302.8990, while frozen Bombay duck falls under 0303.8990.
3. Swimming Crab
August marks the start of the swimming crab season, and after the fishing season opens in September, the catch typically increases significantly, quickly dominating the seafood market. The swimming crab living in the East China Sea has a spindle-shaped carapace that is swollen in the center and tapers towards both ends. It is characterized by a bluish-green dorsal shell, a white ventral side, and robust claws. Its meat is firm, tender, and flavorful, with rich and delicious roe, often considered superior to crabs from other regions. Highly nutritious, it is a favorite among consumers. It can be prepared in various ways, including dry-roasting, raw marination, or stir-frying with rice cakes, each method delivering a fresh and tasty result.
Live swimming crab is specifically classified under HS code 0306.3392.
4. Dried Salted Fish
In the past, due to the lack of low-temperature preservation technology, fresh fish was difficult to store. As a result, coastal fishermen often gutted, salted, and sun-dried various types of sea fish to preserve them, creating a unique category of preserved fish known as dried salted fish, which has been passed down to this day. Salty, savory, and aromatic, it can be steamed on its own or used in stews and stir-fries, making it an exceptional side dish. After the fishing season begins, newly made dried yellow croaker, dried hairtail, and dried eel will gradually become common on dining tables.
Dried salted fish falls under heading 0305 ("Dried, salted, or brined fish"). Depending on the type of fish, dried yellow croaker is classified under HS code 0305.6920, while dried hairtail is under 0305.6910, and dried eel is under 0305.6990.
5. Canned Seafood
Through processes including pre-treatment, frying for shaping, and pressure cooking, part of the catch is made into cooked seafood. It is then sealed in airtight containers and sterilized to produce canned products. In Xiangshan, common examples include canned yellow croaker and marinated crab. Although these products are less nutritious than fresh seafood, they are convenient to store as well as transport, and come in a variety of flavors, making them popular among consumers.
Canned seafood falls under Chapter 16 "Preparations of meat, fish, crustaceans, mollusks, or other aquatic invertebrates". Canned yellow croaker is classified under HS code 1604.2019, while marinated crab falls under 1605.1000.
6. Ready-to-Eat Snacks
Seafood lovers should not miss out on snack options. After the fishing season begins, much of the freshly caught seafood is processed into small snack packs sold worldwide, appealing to seafood enthusiasts, especially children. A wide variety of snacks is available, including crispy yellow croaker, crispy hairtail, and crispy Bombay duck, each with distinct flavors such as spicy and braised, ensuring there is something to satisfy every palate.
Ready-to-eat crispy fish snacks fall under heading 1604 "Prepared or preserved fish". Items such as crispy yellow croaker, crispy hairtail, and crispy Bombay duck are classified under HS Code1604.2099.
