Fishing boats leave Shipu Port in Xiangshan, Zhejiang province, on Sept 16. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

The departure ceremony for the 29th China (Xiangshan) Fishing Festival was held at Shipu Port in Xiangshan, Zhejiang province, on Sept 16.

The ceremony began at 11:18 am at Nie'er Square in Shipu town, with traditional rituals including raising sails, offering toasts, and striking a gong to mark the departure.

More than 200 representatives from various sectors, officials, and guests stood facing the sea and raised a toast, wishing fishermen safe voyages and full catches.

As the gong sounded, fishing boats moored in the harbor weighed anchor and set sail, passing beneath Tongwamen Bridge in succession before heading to fishing grounds in the East China Sea.

Founded in 1998, the China (Xiangshan) Fishing Festival has developed over 28 years into a nationally recognized celebration of marine and fishing culture.