Wei Jie claudiamente@hotmail.com THE Shekou Market bustled with activities that kicked off the Fishing Festival on Friday morning. Many locals and tourists gathered to watch a lion dance and performances while waiting to buy seafood from the first catch after the annual fishing ban ended. Jointly organized by the Nanshan District Administration of Market Regulations and other Nanshan government departments, and hosted by the Shekou Market, the festival will run until the end of this month. Themed “Grab the First Bite of Autumn,” the event highlights fresh fish and other seafood, such as flower crabs, tiger prawns, groupers, and clams, that can be immediately processed at the wet market on Shekou New Street. “The Shekou Market enjoys a geographical advantage for sourcing seafood,” said Long Luping, deputy general manager of the Shekou Market. “The Fishing Festival blends marine culture with seafood delicacies, and we hope to enhance residents’ culinary experiences and enjoyment,” he said. A seafood shop owner at Shekou Market, surname Lin, said that she was optimistic about business prospects during the festival. “During the fishing ban, most of our seafood supplies came from Hainan Province, which incurred high transportation costs. With the fishing season underway, we can access local suppliers that provide fresher and less expensive products,” she said. In addition to culinary delights, the festival also features a cultural wall portraying the history of Shekou. Residents can also embark on a “sea exploration” by visiting the Marine Science Museum and exploring thousands of exhibits related to marine life near the Shekou Market. | 