Ningbo casts its net over Shanghai in promotion of seafood fest

Posted by freemexy on March 8th, 2019

A feast of seafood will be served in Xiangshan, Ningbo City in neighboring Zhejiang Province, as the annual Xiangshan seafood festival will kick off on October 26, Ningbo's tourism authorities announced in Shanghai on Wednesday.To get more Ningbo City news, you can visit shine news official website.

The festival will feature traditional ceremonies wishing for good harvests and the safety of fishing boats setting sail from Shipu Fishing Port, as well as a chef competition, a music festival, fresh seafood tasting and more.

The Xiangshan County government and Ningbo City Tourism Development Commission have stepped up cooperation with tourism authorities in Shanghai.

The Xiangshan delicacy map was released and special seafood bus tours from Shanghai were launched. A number of tourism cooperation agreements were also signed during the event.Craftsmen used common trees, often camphor and gingkoes, to engrave floral patterns and immortal motifs. Timber had to be dried out in shade for at least six months in a bid to prevent cracks.

Then it was coated with layers of red lacquer made from cinnabar, a material commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat neurological ailments. Lacquer is moisture-resistant, heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant and never fades on wood. Craftsmen ground cinnabar to produce a smooth texture, aiming to create delicate lines in sculptures.

Eventually it was thick enough so that designs, figures and landscapes could be carved. Finally, gold was applied, which made the dowry look glitzy and luxurious.

Wooden furniture accounted for a large part of dowries, from beds and wardrobes to shelves and tables. They were often carved with dragon and phoenix patterns, which were rare in Chinese folk culture, since the two mythical creatures were exclusive to the royal family.

However, Ningbo natives were allowed to use such ornate ornaments because of a story from the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Prince Zhao Gou fled to Ningbo hiding from enemies. He survived with the help of a village woman. To return the favor, Zhao promised to marry her if he came to the throne.

However, she was not to be found when that happened. So, to honor his lifesaver, Zhao granted local people the right to use dragon and phoenix patterns. The story added some legendary color to the dowry culture and also reflected women’s wisdom and braveness.

After a series of ceremonial procedures, newlyweds would be sent to their bridal chamber, where most of the dowry items had been put. Always, a canopy bed was at the center.