Black carp are dried under the sun. [Photo/chinanews.com]

In Wangjiangjing town, Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, dried freshwater fish sales soar as the Spring Festival approaches, capturing the essence of Jiangnan nostalgia.

As the New Year festivities draw near, Zhejiang households are enveloped in the fragrant aroma of preserved sauces, dried fish, sauce duck, and cured sausages, embodying the cherished spirit of tradition and reunion.

Known as the hometown of Chinese black carp, Wangjiangjing town's tradition of drying fish runs deep. From local delicacy to thriving industry, dried freshwater fish production has become a cornerstone of the local economy. Currently, the black carp breeding area in the town has reached 6,300 mu (420 hectares).

According to Yu Laixing, the general manager of Chengxing Aquaculture Service Co Ltd, dried fish is an indispensable part of the preparations before the Chinese New Year, as locals visit relatives and friends, and distribute welfare to employees.

Yu proudly upholds the superior quality of Wangjiangjing's dried fish, evidenced by steady customer demand and accolades like the Zhejiang Provincial Excellent Agricultural Products Gold Award.

Looking ahead, Yu Laixing plans to expand production, catering to the evolving tastes of younger generations while preserving the essence of Jiangnan tradition.