Hands-on journey: Intl students witness Yantai's fishing customs

The international students listen to a captain describe life at sea and fishing. [Photo/WeChat account: ytkfqfb]

Five international students embarked on an immersive journey to Shanhou Chujia village — located in the Yantai Huang-Bohai Sea New Area, in East China's Shandong province — delving into the distinctive charm of the local fishing culture and the vibrant atmosphere of the new fishing season.

At Chuwang Fishing Port, they engaged with fishermen at the bustling seafood stalls and were amazed by the spectacular sight of fishing boats docked in orderly rows. A local captain warmly guided them, offering deeper insights into the realities of ocean fishing.

Inside the village, a resident named Mr Cong explained the renowned Fishing Lantern Festival — a time-honored tradition.

"With a history spanning more than 500 years, our village's Fishing Lantern Festival is now designated as a national intangible cultural heritage," Cong shared.

This significant festival features the crafting of fishing lanterns and grand ceremonies held to pray for favorable weather and abundant harvests.

The international students proudly show the fishing lanterns they made. [Photo/WeChat account: ytkfqfb]

As evening fell, the students tried their hand at making Spanish mackerel dumplings and — assisted by volunteers — created bright-colored fishing lanterns.

"Today at the port, I learned all about the fishermen's daily life. I asked plenty of questions and each one was kindly answered," said Abderrahmane Ouzanni from Morocco.

The warmth and generosity of the villagers, paired with the rich cultural immersion, left a profound impression on the students. Many expressed their eagerness to serve as cultural ambassadors, sharing the beauty of fishing traditions with a broader audience.