1,000 fishing boats, 500 seafood dishes

A bird's-eye view of Shipu port in Xiangshan.[Photo by Yang Zhonghua/China Daily]

Shipu port has a 600-year history during which it has been one of the most important fishery centers in China. In the Yangtze River Delta area, Shipu is considered the "Kingdom of Seafood" and is renowned for more than 500 types of seafood, including hairtail, eel, cuttlefish, crab and shellfish.

The fish are displayed in glass tanks in front of each restaurant, which have no set menus. Diners simply point at the kind of fish they want to eat and the chefs will cook the fish in the best way to preserve its flavor.

The cost is less than 100 yuan ($16) for each person, so tourists can enjoy a big seafood meal in these restaurants.

For those who would like to catch their own dinner, Shipu provides fishing boats for tourists to try their hand. The port has 15 such vessels to give tourists the experience of being a fisherman.

Lin Yongkui, chairman of Xiangshan Yongshun Marine Tourism Development Co, said the activity is highly popular and tourists have to book at least one week in advance.

Each boat is equipped with a captain and a coach. The captain ensures the fishing boat's safety and the coach teaches tourists how to catch fish, which can later be cooked and eaten.

For many frequent visitors to Xiangshan, seafood is not the only attraction. Many people seek its tranquility.

Shanghai resident Xi Hongyi said that he makes the three-hour drive to escape Shanghai's hustle and bustle, as well as to enjoy the delicious seafood.