As the fishing moratorium ends in July, fishing boats return to the Modaomen Waterway in Shenwan, Zhongshan, bringing fresh river and sea catches back to local tables.

Where river meets sea

Shenwan sits at the estuary of the Xijiang River, where the Modaomen channels meet the sea. This unique convergence of salt and freshwater nurtures aquatic delicacies you won't find elsewhere. The fish and shellfish have firmer flesh, natural sweetness, and a delicate, briny flavor that sets them far apart from ordinary pond fare.

Before dawn, the boats return with the morning's catch, including yellow croaker, river shrimp, hairy crabs, golden clams, and the prized "shrimp roe" paste. They are then rushed straight to local seafood restaurants and fishermen's wharves.

Shenwan's must-try "fresh" list

1. Yellow croaker 

Steamed to highlight its natural flavor, ginger and scallion bring out the flaky, sweet flesh. Pan fried for wok-heat, crispy skin with garlic and fermented black beans, perfect with a glass of wine.

2. Yellow croaker roe

A hidden gem for connoisseurs. Pan seared until lightly crisp, each bite bursts with savory, aromatic richness that tastes like the river itself.

3. Blanched river shrimp

Raised in brackish water, these shrimps have thin shells and tender, naturally sweet meat. Simply blanched and served with garlic soy sauce, pure umami straight to your senses.

4. Stir-fried golden clams with garlic & purple perilla

These clams, with their golden shells and plump flesh, thrive on sandy riverbeds. Flash fried with garlic and fragrant perilla leaves, each bite bursts with sweet juices.

5. Steamed egg custard with shrimp roe

A Shenwan specialty, this silky steamed egg custard is topped with rich roe from locally raised brackish-water shrimp, capturing the estuary town's signature sweetness.

6. River crab & shrimp congee

The gentlest finale to any seafood feast. The crab roe tints the rice porridge golden, while the shrimp infuses it with natural sweetness, creating a warm, comforting bowl that soothes from stomach to soul.

This fishing season, come and taste the fresh flavors of Zhongshan. See you at the table!