Huangpu River Hairy Crabs

Huangpu River Hairy Crabs

　　It is understood that Huangpu River hairy crabs originally came from the upper reaches of the Huangpu River in Songjiang. Known for their distinctive appearance—“green back, white belly, golden claws, and yellow hairs”—and their deliciously sweet and fragrant meat, they have long been a renowned local specialty of Songjiang. However, after the 1980s, due to reasons such as the construction of locks in the waterway and water pollution, the farming of Huangpu River hairy crabs was discontinued. Two years ago, the Shanghai Yuyue Aquatic Cooperative and relevant government departments joined forces to tackle the challenge. By adopting a series of ecological techniques—such as low-density stocking, pond grass planting, bottom aeration, water quality control, and feeding with live bait—they successfully revived this Songjiang delicacy. At last year’s 4th “Harvest Cup” National Hairy Crab Competition, Huangpu River hairy crabs won two major awards: the “Best Taste Award” and the “Golden Crab Award.”