Hengqin Concubine Oysters

Hengqin Concubine Oysters

　　These are near-shore oysters living in the waters around Hengqin Island. With smooth tidal flows, moderate salinity, ideal temperatures, and fertile, unpolluted water, the environment is perfect for oyster breeding and growth. As a result, Hengqin oysters are plump, tender, delicious, sweet, and fragrant—renowned both domestically and abroad for being “large, fat, white, tender, and crisp.” Oysters are a premium seafood rich in nutrition and therapeutic value. They can strengthen the spleen and stomach, nourish weakness, benefit qi and blood, soften hardness and disperse nodules, calm the liver and subdue yang, as well as consolidate and astringe. They are especially effective in treating dizziness, diabetes, and high blood pressure, and can also help prevent arteriosclerosis and cancer. Regular consumption of oysters leaves the skin smooth, fair, and beautiful. (Zhuhai)

　　Since Hengqin New Area was designated as China’s third development zone, its exceptional status has been recognized. When visiting Zhuhai, you shouldn’t miss the chance to explore Hengqin. And with Hengqin Concubine Oysters being famous worldwide, it’s not just a place to see—but a cuisine to savor.

　　These are near-shore oysters, locally referred to simply as “oysters.” There are many types of oysters from various regions, but those produced at the meeting point of the Pearl River and the South China Sea—in Zhuhai—are uniquely known as the “Concubine Oysters” (also called Xiangzhou Oysters or Fragrant Oysters). Their main characteristics are their large size and plump, tender, snow-white flesh. When grilled, their aroma wafts through the air, stunning everyone nearby; when boiled, their broth is rich and white, with meat that is tender, succulent, and incredibly flavorful. Living in the waters around Hengqin Island, where tides flow smoothly, salinity is moderate, temperatures are ideal, and the water is fertile and unpolluted, these oysters are perfectly suited for breeding and growth. It’s no wonder that food-loving visitors from all over Guangdong flock here on holidays to indulge their appetites and leave with full bellies and satisfied palates.

　　The beauty of Concubine Oysters is a result of the excellent water quality, balanced salinity, and the hard work and wisdom of local fishermen working in harmony. However, in the past two years, with the development of “civilized eco-tourism,” oyster rafts have disappeared from the waters between Tangjia Bay and Xianglu Bay, and the seabirds that once played among the rafts have become much fewer—a small but real regret and source of helplessness.

　　There are many places to eat oysters on Hengqin Island. In addition to the Oyster Ecological Park, there are also numerous restaurants clustered in Hengqin Oyster Village, as well as many roadside shacks. For dishes like Central Ditch Grass Carp and other Shunde specialties, head to Shunde No. 1 Floating Restaurant. Beside Tianhu Resort, Xue’s Orchard offers fruit-picking experiences. Fresh oysters on Hengqin Island cost about 25–38 yuan per jin, while Central Ditch Grass Carp is 15 yuan per jin. Eating oysters on Hengqin is not just about the food—it’s also about enjoying the island’s serene seascape and the bright lights of Macau across the water. It’s a wonderful place to combine dining with pleasure. Today, preserving the once-brilliant mornings of these oyster fishermen is a way of remembering their diligence and kindness.