The 2026 Guangdong City Basketball League (Yue BA) is set to host a thrilling matchup on March 28, as Zhanjiang travels to face Yangjiang. Beyond the basketball court, the game represents a culinary clash between two of Guangdong's most renowned oyster-producing cities.
Both cities produce oysters in brackish waters where rivers meet the sea, but each boasts distinct characteristics. Zhanjiang's prized Guandu oysters are known for their crisp, sweet flesh without any sandy texture. The city's Beitan oysters, cultivated over three years in mangrove-rich waters, offer a plump, tender, and uniquely sweet flavor profile.
Yangjiang, Guangdong's top oyster producer, with 340,000 tons in 2024, takes pride in its Chengcun oysters, a national geographical indication product with over 180 years of cultivation history. The city also produces Shouchang oysters, traditional white oysters that command premium prices due to their exceptional sweetness and lengthy growing period.
Photo: Yangjiang Daily
The flavor profiles reflect each city's culinary identity. Zhanjiang oysters deliver bold, rich tastes, often enjoyed grilled with garlic, a hearty approach that matches the city's straightforward character. Yangjiang oysters offer cleaner, sweeter notes, traditionally served steamed or in hot pot for a more delicate tasting experience.
Both cities are now pushing into premium markets with sashimi-grade oysters. Zhanjiang has utilized offshore wind farm areas combined with advanced purification systems, while Yangjiang introduced a factory purification system in March 2026, enabling ready-to-eat raw oysters.
Their industrial strategies differ as well. Zhanjiang is building a comprehensive industrial chain centered on an integrated development zone with a digital market platform. Yangjiang focuses on agricultural-tourism integration, having developed oyster-themed cafés, guesthouses, and an annual food culture festival.
Photo: Yangjiang Daily
When the two teams meet on the court, the game will spark both athletic competition and spirited debate among food lovers. Yet for true enthusiasts, the choice between these exceptional oysters is unnecessary—both deserve a place at the table.
Author | Jiang Chang
Photo | Nanfang Plus
