As the warm, salty breeze of early summer sweeps across the shores of Haiyuan Village in Taoluo Town, Rizhao, in east China’s Shandong Province, beaches are buzzing with excitement. The retreating tides reveal damp sands that lure both locals and tourists into a clam-digging frenzy.
During the recent Labor Day holiday, the nearby beach at Liujiawan launched a special event called “Gifts from the Dragon King.” Inspired by local folklore, clams were scattered across designated areas, allowing even first-time diggers to share in the thrill. This symbolic gesture connects the joy of clam digging with blessings from the sea deity, turning the activity into a cultural experience.
Taoluo Town’s southeastern coastline, home to four villages including Haiyuan, is renowned for its flourishing marine economy. With the expansive Fuxin Fishing Port, over 100 fishing vessels, 500 greenhouse-style aquaculture farms, and vast cultivated tidal flats, the area thrives on the sea’s bounty.
In recent years, the local government has embraced unified village planning to integrate resources and promote industries such as seafood processing, cold-chain logistics, boutique homestays, and interactive coastal experiences. This holistic approach has revitalized traditional aquaculture while transforming these fishing villages into vibrant coastal tourism destinations, bringing prosperity and new energy to the shores of Rizhao.
