Hainan Fishermen Get Ready with Dried Red Fish for Spring Festival

As the Spring Festival draws near, the vibrant community of Gangkou Village in Danzhou, Hainan Province, buzzes with festive anticipation. Fishermen are diligently engaged in the traditional preparation of dried red fish, which has become a cherished holiday specialty. This time-honored drying technique was honored in May 2022 when it was included in Danzhou's intangible cultural heritage.

Dried red fish, a symbol of prosperity and abundance, holds a prominent place as a festive gift during the celebrations. These fish are sourced from the bountiful waters of the Beibu Gulf, where local fleets catch them just before the Chinese New Year. The meticulous process involves scaling, cleaning, salting, and then sun-drying the fish naturally, culminating in a savory delicacy that endures.

In contemporary times, this ancient craft continues to flourish within local workshops, where the spirit of tradition meets daily life. Fishermen pour their hopes for the New Year into their painstaking manual work, ensuring that this legacy is not only preserved but also celebrated through the rich flavors of their catch.