Festival generates cooperation over Baijiao Sea Bass

A 3 billion yuan ($452.5 million) strategic alliance contract to tap Doumen's aquaculture development potential was signed at the first-ever Baijiao Sea Bass Tourism & Culture Festival last weekend.

Zhuhai Mingshi Zhishan Industrial Development Co agreed to develop, based on complementary advantages, along with 10 leading aquaculture enterprises at the opening ceremony in Nan'ao Village of Baijiao Town.

Baiijao Town itself contracted with Fisheries Advance Magazine and Beijing Normal University's research institute for mutual connection and exchange of information. A tripartite strategic partnership agreement was also signed to help Baijiao promote its aquatic product brand.

Baijiao Sea Bass is a famous local specialty cultivated in Doumen District of Zhuhai. Honored as a Geographical Indications for Agricultural Product, the farmed fish brand has strong market appeal and credibility, and was listed as one of the Top 100 Regional Agricultural Product Public Brands in China in September 2017.

Nearly 20,000 people from the Pearl River Delta took part in the event, which focused clearly on the renowned local product. On Nov 17, industrial experts exchanged views, and on the second and third days guests were served culinary delicacies. Cultural performances added charm as attendees sampled the sea bass dishes.

Baijiao food readied for visitors

Visitors were served a variety of local gourmet food such as typical Doumen-characterized Dried Baijiao Sea Bass, Wormwood Rice Cake, Water Chestnut Cake, and Hakka Salted Tea.

Twenty tables of 100 volunteer consumer testers savored tasty sea-bass food prepared by famous local cooks.

The festival also featured sea bass education billboards, live exhibits, interactions with mascots, performances, spin-offs, and free souvenirs.

There was also an opportunity to take some of the festival home. Quality specialties from 50 Doumen merchants were quite popular due to reasonable prices.

Folk art performances such as a Shrimp Dance, Shatian Folk Song, Gyotaku Art, and Fish-Net Casting promoted a well-rounded image of Baijiao. An On-Water Wedding was also held, demonstrating the charm of that national intangible heritage item, recognized as such in June 2008.

Procession displaying traditional culture [Photos by Zeng Yao / Zhuhai Daily]

The sea-bass and traditional cultural displays proved a winning combination for the festival, pleasing one and all, said an industry expert.

The organizers said that the single festival promoted a leapfrog development of both Baijiao's aquaculture and tourism culture. Now Baijiao Sea-Bass cultivation will become larger and more industrialized. Moreover, by tapping into the rural tourism and leisure agriculture sectors, Baijiao is positioned to grow as a unique town featuring intelligent production in a rich cultural environment.