As the annual fishing moratorium ends, Rudong in Nantong, Jiangsu province, is yielding its autumn catch.

On the first weekend after the season reopened, seafood lovers from Shanghai, Suzhou, Wuxi, and other nearby cities arrived in the county to sample fresh offerings.

A platter of steamed swimming crabs awaits diners in Rudong. [Photo/WeChat account: rudongfb]

Local restaurants were busy throughout the weekend. At a venue on Fandi Road, all private dining rooms were occupied and guests waited in the main hall. The owner noted that out-of-town visitors accounted for about 70 percent of the patrons.

Dishes including swimming crabs, fried clam patties, and razor clam soup drew positive feedback. A visitor from Wuxi said he planned to take some clam patties home for his family.

At another restaurant on Haihua Road, a display of just-unloaded catches — sea anemones, crabs, and golden hook shrimp — attracted passing customers. Its manager reported that about 20 tables of out-of-town guests were served at lunch, and another 20 by the early evening.

Restaurant operators have expanded their staff and extended their hours to handle the increased patronage. With the autumn season underway, Rudong along the Yellow Sea coast offers a timely option for visitors interested in seafood and local culinary traditions.