"Zhoushan xiafan" from the Zhoushan Yingzhou Seafoods Co is shortlisted as an intangible cultural heritage item of Dinghai district. [Photo/WeChat account: zsqdly]

The seafood brand "Yingzhou" was created by a Zhoushan native during the reign of emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) as the city used to be called Yinghou in ancient times.

In 1999, Zhoushan Yingzhou Seafoods Co was established. The company focused on three products: xiafan, referring to the dish going with rice, frozen seafood, and seafood snack.

"Zhoushan xiafan" has been shortlisted as an intangible cultural heritage item of Dinghai district and the processing plant has become the intangible cultural heritage base in Zhoushan for its traditional processing techniques.

To cure and air dry seafood is the traditional way of preserving the food. This process produces a different flavor compared with fresh seafood.

The "Zhoushan xiafan", including crab paste, pickled fish, spiced mud snail, and air-dried sea eel, has been popular among local residents.

Yingzhou's frozen seafood pack is made up of seafood which is frozen shortly after they are caught. The packaging tells of the city's folklore, marine culture, and farming culture.

The company's seafood snack pack comprises many snacks favored by Zhoushan natives. All snacks are made from fresh seafood.

Each package of Yingzhou's products is carefully designed. [Photo/WeChat account: zsqdly]