The fishing season has officially kicked off, and Dongguan's coastal town of Humen welcomed its first wave of seafood bounty on August 17. At the Xinwan Pier, boats returned at dawn with nets brimming with shimmering fish, shrimp, and crabs, filling the air with the salty freshness of the sea.

By 7:00, the pier was alive with activity. Fishermen hauled in their heavy nets, silver-scaled fish glistening in the morning light. Though tired after hours at sea, their faces shone with joy. "We set off at 1:30," said Ms. Wu, who went fishing near the waters close to Shenzhen Bao'an Airport. "It took more than two hours by boat, but it was worth it! We caught yellow croaker and a mix of other fish." 

Over at Xinwan Pier, more boats docked with their catch. Some fishermen unloaded boxes of freshly caught yellowfin and croaker, while others brought in shrimp and crabs. "This trip was rewarding," said Ms. Lin, who fished near the waters of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. "We came back with a good variety, bream, croaker, ribbonfish, shrimp, and crabs. A real full load!" 

From the crack of dawn until morning, the hardworking fishermen turned their labor into abundance. Buckets of fresh seafood were carried off the boats, soon to make their way to local markets, and then onto family dinner tables. 

With the season's first catch now ashore, Dongguan residents can look forward to feasting on local favorites like steamed yellow croaker, boiled shrimp, salt-and-pepper squid, pan-fried bream, typhoon shelter crab, and seafood congee. 

The taste of the ocean has arrived, fresh from Humen straight to your plate.