Hairy Crabs

Hairy Crabs

　　　The hairy crabs from Yangcheng Lake are considered a specialty of Kunshan, attracting many celebrities who specifically visit Kunshan to enjoy the authentic ones.

　　Locals say that September is the best time to eat female crabs, as they contain rich and firm roe with an especially delicious flavor, while October is the best time for male crabs, whose creamy, thick roe is meltingly tender and high in protein. Eating hairy crabs is an art in itself — there are more than ten specialized tools just for cracking and eating them. Whether it's the crab back, legs, or claws, each part requires its own utensil and technique. Of course, hairy crabs can be found almost everywhere nowadays, but eating them at Yangcheng Lake in Kunshan offers a unique experience. There’s a lakeside island restaurant, just a short 10-minute boat ride from the shore. Dining here, surrounded by shimmering lake views and gentle waves, lets you savor the sweet, delicate flavor of the crabs spreading from your tongue to your heart. The taste is truly incomparably fresh and delicious.

　　Eating just the crabs might seem a bit monotonous and doesn't do justice to the beauty of Kunshan. So, a more refined way to enjoy the crabs is to pair them with the scenic lake views and the soft melodies of Kunqu Opera. Kunqu is a traditional opera from Kunshan, known for its gentle and graceful tunes and delicate, subtle singing style — the famous socialite Lu Xiaoman was a devoted fan. Imagine the perfect combination of delicious food, beautiful music, and graceful Suzhou or Hangzhou women gently gesturing and swaying their silk sleeves — how could one not be enchanted?