When it comes to mouthwatering autumn delicacies, one must think of plump, claw-waving crabs. Especially “Yangcheng Lake,” a place famous for its premium crabs, often becomes a focus for tourists. The crabs of Yangcheng Lake are calling out to food lovers from all over. People flock to Yangcheng Lake to taste authentic Yangcheng Lake crabs.
Shanghai people are very particular about food, and when it comes to eating Yangcheng Lake crabs, they are arguably the most knowledgeable. In Shanghai, you can easily find someone who can talk at length about the best ways to enjoy Yangcheng Lake crabs. Bacheng is the most popular destination for Shanghai locals to eat Yangcheng Lake crabs — it’s close by, has high visibility, and there’s a lot of local knowledge. As a result, going to Bacheng to eat crabs has become somewhat of a tradition. After years of development, an origin-based gourmet dining circle centered on Bacheng, known as the “hometown of Chinese Yangcheng Lake crabs,” has emerged. In the hearts of tourists across the Yangtze River Delta region and even the whole country, Crab Capital Bacheng has become the go-to spot for savoring Yangcheng Lake crabs during the golden autumn when chrysanthemums bloom and crabs are plump.
The reporter didn’t see the shrewd smoothness of a savvy businessman in Boss A Si; instead, he exuded the simple warmth of an old fisherman. A Si told the reporter that every year around September, when the autumn wind rises and the crabs begin to stir, visitors come to his agritainment spot in such numbers that they can block the entire road. A Si explained, “Nowadays, the crabs sold in Yangcheng Lake are a mixed bag, with many fakes. But A Si Crab Farm has always insisted on an integrated production, supply, and sales model, bypassing middlemen and selling directly to consumers, which makes our prices more affordable. We maintain strict quality control at every step to offer guests the best. Our agritainment spot doesn’t rely on marketing strategies or advertising — all our customers come through word of mouth from previous clients, built on an ever-growing reputation and trust. Rough hands and graying hair are the best proof of a true crab farmer. Nowadays, if you ask in Bacheng: where is the best place to eat crabs in Yangcheng Lake? Which Yangcheng Lake agritainment is the best? Or which Yangcheng Lake leisure resort agritainment is the best? The answer will definitely be A Si Crab Farm. Living off the land and water, here you can not only taste authentic Yangcheng Lake crabs but also enjoy the famous ‘Eight Delicacies of Yangcheng Lake.’”
A Si shares six tips for picking the best crabs
1. Look at the shell: A bright, glossy, dark green shell usually indicates a thick, solid crab; a yellowish shell often means a thinner, weaker one. It’s even better if you can find one with “golden fur and golden claws.”
2. Check the belly: A protruding belly usually means the crab is rich in fat and roe; a concave one often indicates less flesh.
3. Examine the legs: Legs covered in dense “fur” usually mean a well-fed, robust crab; those without much hair are often soft and lacking in fat.
4. Determine the sex: “Pick female crabs in the eighth lunar month, and male crabs after the ninth.” After the ninth lunar month, male crabs have fully matured reproductive glands, offering the best flavor and nutrition. Typically, a round belly indicates a female crab, while a pointed one indicates a male.
5. Check vitality: Flip the crab over — if it can quickly flip itself back using its legs, it’s lively and fresh. If it can’t flip back, it’s weak and won’t keep long.
6. Watch how it moves: A good crab keeps its belly off the ground when crawling. Of course, this doesn’t apply if its legs are all tied up. But you can also check its responsiveness — if its eyes move nimbly when touched with a finger or stick, or if it “spits white bubbles,” it’s especially good.
In the crisp autumn air, with chrysanthemums blooming and crabs plumping up, bring your family and friends this golden season to A Si Crab Farm in Bacheng to enjoy authentic Yangcheng Lake crabs.