Many coastal regions in China have initiated a partial reopening of the fishing season following the entry into force of the annual summer fishing moratorium on May 1, with vessels setting sail for their first catch since the start of the moratorium.
The nationwide ban, implemented to protect marine ecology and fishery resources, covers the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea and a portion of the South China Sea. It lasts from May 1 to Sept 16. The coastal region of east China's Jiangsu Province was among the areas included in this year's moratorium.
On Thursday morning, 441 fishing boats that met the requirements for the restricted reopening departed from the Lyusi Fishing Port in Qidong City of Jiangsu.
The authorized vessels primarily use gillnets, beam trawls, pots and traps, as well as light attraction nets, targeting catches such as swimming crabs, shrimp, and smaller quantities of small yellow croaker, silver pomfret and squid.
To ensure the safe and orderly departure of the fleet, the Jiangsu Maritime Authority deployed four patrol boats and seven drones to escort and monitor the vessels.
In Xiangshan County in Ningbo City of east China's Zhejiang Province, over 1,270 fishing boats that met the criteria were also allowed to set sail on Thursday for the East China Sea, marking the end of the 3-month hiatus for the Shipu Port.
The fishing boats will mostly operate in nearshore waters, and most of them can return to port in three to four days. Some smaller fishing boats can even go out to sea and come back on a same day, ensuring the supply of fresh seafood products to the market.
The primary catches are expected to include silver pomfret, yellow croaker, shrimp, crab, and mantis shrimp.
"All fishing boats starting operation on Thursday are out for crabs, large yellow croaker and hairtail. If we leave at noon, we can be back by around 18:00," said a fisherman.
The return of fishing activities has been eagerly anticipated by both the fishing community and local consumers, who can't wait to have a taste of fresh seafood after a break of three months.
"I really missed the swimming crabs, shrimp, and hairtail. I can finally have them again tonight!" said a resident in Ningbo City of Zhejiang.
Coastal regions in China resume restricted fishing season after three-month moratorium
A promotional video of the 2025 Spring Festival Gala, a grand Chinese Lunar New Year celebration presented by China Media Group (CMG), was screened at various occasions to mark the upcoming festival in Belgium, Kazakhstan and Jordan.
On Monday, the Chinese Embassy in Belgium hosted a reception to celebrate the 2025 Spring Festival, with over 300 guests present including friendly figures from various sectors in Belgium, foreign diplomats, expatriates, representatives from Chinese institutions and Chinese students in Belgium.
A promotional video of the CMG Spring Festival Gala was continuously displayed at the venue, immersing attendees in the vibrant atmosphere of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations.
Ambassador Fei Shengchao delivered a heartfelt speech, extending New Year greetings to all Chinese nationals in Belgium and sending Spring Festival wishes to the people of China.
He emphasized that 2024 marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive, friendly, cooperative partnership between China and Belgium, with significant progress made in bilateral relations.
Ambassador Fei also highlighted 2025 as a year of major milestones: the conclusion of China's 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) and the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), the 54th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium, and the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations.
He reaffirmed China's commitment to further deepening reform comprehensively, pursuing a strategy of opening up for mutual benefit and going all out to build a great country in all respects and pursue national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization to further bring development opportunities for Belgium and the EU.
Fei expressed China's willingness to work closely with Belgium and the EU to implement the consensus reached between their leaders, fostering friendly cooperation, cultural exchange and building a community with a shared future for mankind.
From Jan 20 to February 1, a dynamic promotional poster of the CMG Spring Festival Gala is displayed on the massive LED screen at Kazakhstan's national railway company building in the capital city of Astana.
The screen, the largest in Central Asia, previously showcased the poster of the 2024 Spring Festival Gala as well.
On Tuesday, the promotional video of the Spring Festival Gala made its debut on 93 screens across the Khan Shatyr shopping center, the world's largest tented structure, and various bustling locations in Astana's city center. The video will remain on air until February 1.
The Khan Shatyr shopping center, one of the busiest places in the city, has seen numerous locals express keen interest in the gala and Chinese cultural traditions after watching the video.
"The video is very interesting. Since it's from a different culture, we find it quite fascinating. We really like the promotional video and I believe the gala will be amazing. I plan to watch it with my family at home," said a local resident.
According to Kazakhstan's local partners of CMG, the promotional poster and video will be aired over 180,000 times, reaching an audience of approximately 1.5 million people.
Additionally, CMG will continue its collaboration with Kazakhstan's Atameken TV to broadcast a special Russian-language version of the Gala during the Spring Festival period.
The Spring Festival Gala promotional video was also showcased at Philadelphia University in Jordan, allowing attendees to experience the festive vibe of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
The event also offered a wealth of cultural activities such as calligraphy, tea art and Chinese chess.
"I learned about many unique Chinese celebrations and customs, such as eating dumplings during the Spring Festival, decorating every corner with red and putting up the Chinese character 'Fu', which expresses love for family and friends and wishes for a happier life," said a student of the university.
The gala, also known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, has been broadcast live annually on the Chinese Lunar New Year's Eve since 1983. It is seen as a major cultural symbol for the traditional Lunar New Year celebrations in China. The 2025 Spring Festival gala will be the first edition since the Spring Festival's inclusion on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
For Chinese people, the gala has evolved beyond a mere television show. It represents a nationally shared experience and a collective memory. Its evolution, in many ways, is indicative of China's wider technological growth and social development.
Promotional video of CMG Spring Festival Gala screened in Belgium, Kazakhstan, Jordan