Photo essay: The gorgeous mudflats of Xiamen

Regarded as China’s most beautiful coastline, the Xiapu mudflats in Fujian have inspired ancient painters and present-day photographers alike

Story By Sugato Mukherjee

Photographs By Sugato Mukherjee

1 min read

Published On May 4, 2020
Updated On August 27, 2021

Xiamen feature — The unique marine culture in Xiapu has been thriving for centuries. Seaweed farms form a major part of the aquaculture, while tidal fishing and oyster farms are also key to the economy.

Xiamen feature — Fisherfolk returning home after a day’s work in the tidal mudflats. From October to December, it’s harvest time for laver (a rich reddish brown edible seaweed).

Xiamen feature — Bamboo poles used for drying kelp and seaweed during the spring-summer harvest season extend out into the sea.

Xiamen feature — A fisherman hoisting seaweed onto his boat. Seaweed harvesting is a labour-intensive process that takes place on family-run farms.

Xiamen feature — The fishing community often lives in floating villages or on boats all year round, a lifestyle dating back to the Tang dynasty.

Xiamen feature — Oyster farming is another important part of the marine culture in Xiapu. These small, cupped monk-hat oysters are found in abundance in the waters around Fujian.

SilkAir flies daily between Singapore and Xiamen. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com

SEE ALSO: Creative art spaces in Xiamen, China

This article was originally published in the December 2019 issue of Silkwinds magazine

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