The fishing boats sailed out of the Xinying Fishing Port in Lingao County on August 16. (Source: Hainan Daily)

At noon on August 16, the Beibu Gulf sprang to life again as the annual fishing moratorium ended, reopening the sea after a hiatus of more than three months.

As ship horns echoed and the traditional fishing song "Lili Mei" played, hundreds of fishing boats raised anchor and began their journey, signaling the beginning of Lingao County's yearly fishing season.

As one of Hainan's major fishing counties, Lingao has long been known as the birthplace of "one of Hainan's three famous fish." It has led the province in fishery production for 27 straight years. Besides being a vital part of the local economy, the fishing industry offers a significant glimpse into Hainan's marine culture.

Red hulls and a thousand-year shipbuilding tradition

The start of the fishing season marks both a return to work and a continuation of a longstanding tradition. At Lingao Cape Beach, fishermen continue the custom of removing oysters from their boats' hulls and repainting them crimson red. Practically, this "makeover" reduces drag while sailing, but it also symbolizes the fishing community's hopes for a good catch.

Many fishing boats heading into the deep sea still employ the traditional "Lingao Guangchuan shipbuilding method," dating back to the Southern Song Dynasty. This technology, with its focus on watertight compartments, is recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage and reflects the evolution of Lingao's maritime history.

Today, it goes hand in hand with modern amenities at Xinying Central Fishing Port as the area transitions from a traditional coastal fishing zone into a prominent national port hub.

The heart of the fishing port: women who keep the shore running

When fishing boats come back loaded with their daily haul, the docks become the stage for the Lingao fisherwomen. Dressed in traditional wide-brimmed bamboo hats and left-front-opening garments, they skillfully sort and weigh seafood before selling it for the best price they can.

In line with the local saying, "men steer the boats at sea, while women manage the shore," these fisherwomen rely on resilience and know-how to keep the fishing port's daily operations running and prosperous.

From seafood feast to cultural tourism landmark

Abundant catches have inspired the unique Lingao Fishermen's Feast, which showcases local specialties such as fish steamed "as is," braised dried red grouper, and seafood cooked in traditional earthen kilns. These dishes are the signatures of the "Lingao Seafood" brand.

Today, the fishing season festival has evolved from a simple aquaculture milestone into a vibrant cultural tourism event that features folk traditions, local cuisine, and intangible cultural heritage showcases.

Lingao is leveraging this fishing festival to turn its rich fishing culture into a unique cultural tourism asset for the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port, showcasing the island's charm and maritime heritage to the world in fresh ways.