The 25th Xuyi Crayfish Festival opened on June 12, bringing a vibrant celebration of food, culture, and community spirit to the city.

The festivities began at 7:30 a.m. with a lively cultural parade themed “Fun with Crayfish, Roaming the City.” Stretching 3.2 kilometers from Crayfish Square to Ke Street, the event drew nearly 800 volunteers and tens of thousands of residents and tourists, creating a dynamic spectacle for the “Crayfish Capital of China.”

Highlights of the parade included a “Crayfish Squad” featuring two giant 12-meter-long crayfish floats interacting with the crowd, and adorable crayfish-themed floats that became instant photo hotspots. A “Sports Squad” of over 200 fitness enthusiasts showcased the city’s vitality through tai chi, synchronized square dancing, and traditional qigong performances. Participants of all ages joined in, from children dressed in crayfish costumes to college students promoting local tourism and middle-aged volunteers performing drum dances.

The excitement peaked with the distribution of 3,000 free tickets to the “Joyful Crayfish Banquet,” along with vouchers for cultural souvenirs and scenic spots. This year, the Xuyi Crayfish Association has rolled out a series of visitor-friendly policies, including free admission to all A-level scenic spots for banquet attendees, along with discounts on dining, accommodations, and secondary attractions. Similar promotions are available at Xuyi Crayfish flagship stores in Beijing’s Gui Street and Nanjing’s Pukou district.

In the evening, the three-day Joyful Crayfish Banquet commenced, featuring 10 local crayfish restaurants and 46 food stalls. Crowds flocked to savor Xuyi’s signature dishes, from classic flavors like thirteen-spice and garlic crayfish to innovative options such as pickled and secret-recipe crayfish.

“Eat crayfish? Go to Xuyi!” has become a nationally recognized slogan, reflecting the city’s leading role in the crayfish industry. Over two decades, the festival has evolved from a sales platform to a driver of industrial growth and public welfare. Xuyi’s crayfish industry now boasts an annual output value exceeding 30 billion yuan ($4.1 billion), supporting 210,000 jobs. For ten consecutive years, the “Xuyi Crayfish” brand has topped China’s regional aquatic product rankings.

The banquet, which has already sold 30,000 tickets, is expected to serve around 100 metric tons of crayfish. Through this flavorful event, Xuyi continues to share its warmth and hospitality, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories.

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