The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People's Republic of China has announced the eighth batch of China's Nationally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (China-NIAHS). The Chenzhou Oyster Farming System in Shanwei, Guangdong, ranks 54th on the list.
A unique environment shapes distinctive oysters
Chenzhou Village in Hongcao Town, Chengqu District, Shanwei (汕尾市城区红草镇晨洲村), is the main production area for Jinjiang oysters. Here, freshwater from three rivers meets seawater from Changsha Bay (长沙湾), creating low-salinity waters that give Jinjiang oysters their distinctive qualities: plump, rounded oysters with creamy-white meat and dark-edged shells, and a crisp, sweet taste without grit.
Ecological farming works with nature
Oysters are natural filter feeders that need no artificial feed. Farmers grow Gracilaria, an edible red seaweed, between oyster rafts to absorb excess nitrogen and phosphorus, helping improve water quality.
Another model combines oysters, purple sea urchins and seaweed at different depths. Seaweed near the surface releases oxygen, oysters filter-feed in midwater and purple sea urchins near the seabed feed on waste from organisms above. This creates a nutrient cycle across the three layers.
Centuries of tradition meet modern technology
Oyster farming in the area dates back to the early Qing Dynasty. Since 2020, local producers have worked with research institutes to improve oyster breeding technology. In 2022, they produced 600 million to 800 million oyster spats, filling a gap in local oyster breeding in Shanwei. Internet of Things devices have also been installed in key oyster farms to upload water temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen data to the cloud in real time.
An integrated industry supports local development
In 2024, the industry began moving toward unified management, linking around 100 farms with more than a dozen deep-processing businesses under a model combining a modern industrial park, companies and shareholders.
The Oyster Culture Festival, oyster-themed visitor centers and a national 3A-level tourist attraction are also bringing the heritage to a wider audience.
The inclusion of the Chenzhou Oyster Farming System on the China-NIAHS list recognizes not only its distinctive oysters, but also the ecological knowledge and traditional techniques behind them. By combining these practices with modern aquaculture, Shanwei is keeping this coastal heritage alive for future generations.
Author | He Fengyu
Photos | Nanfang Plus
