The second East China Sea Fishing Festival gets underway in Shengsi on Aug 18. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The second East China Sea Fishing Festival kicked off on Aug 18 in Shengsi, an island county administered by Zhoushan city, in East China's Zhejiang province, according to local officials.

They said the staging of the ongoing festival is part of wider measures taken by the local government to promote local economic recovery and development after the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The opening ceremony culminated with performances of fisherman's songs, displays of fishing paintings, preparations of seafood and displays of the fishing customs of five local fishing villages – Tian'ao, Huangsha, Bianjiao, Huicheng and Zhi'ao.

Officials said the festival aims to protect, pass on to future generations and promote the traditional culture of these fishing villages as well as boost consumer confidence.

The event, which runs to Aug 25, will see 10 more activities organized, including a music festival, night run, food festival and a Zhejiang delicacy promotions activity.

Shengsi boasts abundant fishing resources and is blessed with strong island tourism. To boost the local consumer market affected by the pandemic, Shengsi government – in collaboration with local companies – has issued a total of 13 million yuan ($1.88 million) in retail coupons, which can be used for accommodation, catering, sightseeing and for other entertainment in the county.

The festival is scheduled to run to Aug 25, featuring 10 more activities. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The festival is part of the measures taken to promote local economic recovery and development. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]