Fishing vessels set sail from the Shipu fishery port to mark the start of a new fishing season in Xiangshan county, Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

The 24th China Fishing Season Festival is slated to open in the coastal county of Xiangshan in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province on Sept 16.

The festival marks the start of a new fishing season, with thousands of fishing vessels setting sail on the East China Sea from Shipu fishery port after a traditional ceremony worshipping the sea goddess.

The opening ceremony will be livestreamed on the app run by Ningbo Evening News, on which visitors can also place orders for seafood.

A seafood package worth 99 yuan ($15.23), which includes seafood favorites like hairtail, little yellow croaker, pomfret, and shrimp, will be launched.

Xiangshan, a county that relies heavily on the fishing industry, launched the festival in 1998 to highlight its ocean culture and to welcome the fishing season. Every year, an array of events is held to promote local tourism and fishing resources during the festival.

Xiangshan seafood is renowned for having a lighter fishy smell and a more delicious taste as the water of the East China Sea is warm and low in salt content.

Xiangshan seafood is renowned for having a lighter fishy smell and a more delicious taste as the water of the East China Sea is warm and low in salt content. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]