A fisherman from the coastal county of Sanmen, Zhejiang province showcases a big crab at the 2018 Zhejiang Agricultural Fair in Hangzhou on Nov 23. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

The Zhejiang Agricultural Fair, an annual event organized by the province's bureau of agriculture and rural affairs, kicked off in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province on Nov 23.

As the year of 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up, this year's fair is featuring Zhejiang's achievements in agriculture and rural affairs over the past four decades.

More than 1,600 companies, including 35 from 12 foreign countries, are displaying a total of 13,000 distinctive products at the fair. According to the organizing committee, all exhibits are required to meet strict standards for food safety and inspection and quarantine.

To further improve the fair and sales of agricultural products, the integration of online and offline channels is being promoted this year. One hundred exhibitors have been invited to sell their products on a special online platform designed by the fair in hope of increasing sales.

Additionally, an assortment of cultural activities, including the demonstration of intangible cultural heritages and speeches, will be staged for the duration of the fair, which is from Nov 23 to 27. 

People flock to buy products at the 2018 Zhejiang Agricultural Fair in Hangzhou on Nov 23. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

People show strong interest in honey at the 2018 Zhejiang Agricultural Fair in Hangzhou on Nov 23. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]