Xiangshan recognized as home of Chinese fish culture

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-09-28 17:28

Local officials of Xiangshan display the plaque, the Home of the Chinese Fish Culture, at a ceremony in Xiangshan on September 14.

Xiangshan county of Zhejiang Province was honored as the home of Chinese fish culture by Chinese Folk Literature and Art Society and China Federation of Literary and Art Circles.

Surrounded by sea on three sides, Xiangshan has 608 islands and a coastline of 800 kilometers. The fish culture of Xiangshan dated back to more than 6,000 years ago. Cultural and historical sites spread all over the county, such as Tashan culture site, sea defense sites in Ming and Qing Dynasties, ancient pottery kilns and ancient sunk ships. The folk culture passes from generation to generation, featuring Xiangshan fishing drum, dragon light, fish light, bamboo root sculpture, fish song, paper cutting and so on

After Xiangshan's Shipu port made into the list of the state-level historical and culture sites, the legend of Xu Fu traveling to the East, salt drying craft, the festivals of setting sail and sacrifice to the sea and Fugang's wish belief custom were all listed as state-level non-material cultural heritage. So far, Xiangshan has collected 105 items non-material cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, Xiangshan has paid much attention to research and protection of fish culture. It published books such as Documents on Xiangshan's Mazu Culture, No.1 Village of China's Fish Industry: Dongmen Island of Xiangshan Shipu Port, Xiangshan Fishing Folktale, and Collection of Thesis at Chinese Fish Culture, started Fish Culture, the first of its kind in China, launched a fish culture website, and introduced the fish culture research into school education, which highlighted the promotion of fish culture in the local area.

In addition, Xiangshan organized a lot of activities, including China's Fish Culture Symposium, Fish Culture Art Exhibition, Fish Culture Calligraphy and Photography contest. It built a number of tourist destinations and attractions featured with strong fish culture. Moreover, Xiangshan developed many local art and craft specialties and food culture highlighted by sea food.