Shengsi mussels, a specialty product of Shengsi county, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, will receive provincial support after it was listed among the first batch of China's key geographical indications agricultural products, local media reported on Jan 9.

GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization.

In 1973, Shengsi succeeded in farming mussels due to its abundant food source, fertile water, and suitable water temperature, and has since been focusing on the development of its mussel farming industry.

After 40 years of development, Shengsi has formed an industrial cluster for mussels involving farming, deep processing, and comprehensive utilization of waste and gained the reputation of the Home of Mussels in China.

As of the end of 2021, Shengsi has been home to 765 mussel farmers that produce 206,500 metric tons of mussels annually.

Shengsi mussels stand out of those farmed in other places in the country with their plump flesh, delicious taste, and high nutritional content.

In addition to mussels, Shengsi county is also famous for its blue crabs and hairtails, which are not only popular among Chinese seafood lovers, but in other countries as well, making them an important export for China.