The feast for celebrating the opening of fishing season kicks off in Zhoushan. [Photo/www.wifizs.cn]

More than 1,000 fishermen, families, and seafood merchants gathered in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, on Aug 2, for a grand outdoor feast.

With 120 tables, the event marked the opening of the fishing season after the summer moratorium.

With the theme "Gratitude for the ocean's gifts, blessings for safe voyages", fishing vessels sounded their horns, echoing across the harbor as historical footage of fishing scenes played on screens, creating a vivid spectacle of maritime tradition and unity.

Performances and sea-themed songs energized the crowd, bringing emotional resonance as families expressed hopes for safe returns.

"It's a happy day. I'm hoping for a safe and bountiful season," said Wang Dailiang, captain of the vessel Zhe Pu Yu 68807.

As part of the fishing season festivities, upcoming events in Putuo district will feature seasonal specialties like swimming crabs and yellow croaker. These efforts aim to boost consumer activity by integrating catering, e-commerce, and tourism into a vibrant coastal economy.