Shanfenhu is a local delicacy in Taizhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

Winter Solstice, the 22nd solar term which begins this year on Dec 21, holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Shitang town, Taizhou, Zhejiang province, as it signifies a time of abundant seafood and a reunion for fishermen and their families.

In Dongshan village, villagers recently gathered to craft their Winter Solstice culinary traditions.

Central to the festivities is Shanfenhu, a kind of starch paste with a diverse array of ingredients like mushrooms, peanuts, and radishes, combined with seafood like fish meat and dried eel, making it flavorful and fresh. 

Meanwhile, several villagers were pounding white dough to create fish noodles, a local specialty. This process involves continuous pounding to ensure the perfect fusion of fish meat and sweet potato flour. After being pan-fried, cut into strips, and dried, the fish noodles become an irresistible dish among coastal residents.

Fish noodles. [Photo/Tide News]

The celebrations also included making tangyuan and drying seafood, symbolizing hopes for safety and prosperity in the fishing community.