As the 2026 Lunar New Year approaches, fishermen in Danzhou's Gangkou Village are turning the Hainan coastline into a mosaic of crimson treasures. 🌊 For generations, these coastal artisans have perfected the art of drying red fish – a practice recognized as intangible cultural heritage in 2022 that's now seeing renewed interest among young Chinese foodies.
🧧 'Each fish carries our New Year wishes,' says local fisherman Chen Wei, carefully arranging his catch. The process begins with fresh hauls from the Beibu Gulf, followed by meticulous scaling, salting, and 15 days of sun-dancing under Hainan's tropical skies. The result? A savory delicacy symbolizing prosperity that's become a must-have gift during family reunions.
While modern food preservation methods exist, villagers insist traditional techniques create unmatched flavor. 🎏 This year's production comes as cultural preservation groups launch TikTok campaigns (#FishOfFortune) to document the craft, blending ancient traditions with digital storytelling.
From family kitchens to Michelin-starred restaurants, this salty-sweet specialty continues bridging generations – one golden-red fillet at a time.
