When the autumn breeze begins to stir, it signals the freshest moment of the year in Jiangsu—the perfect time to savor hairy crabs at their richest, brimming with creamy roe. Thanks to more favorable weather conditions, continued improvements in water quality and refined aquaculture methods, Jiangsu’s major production areas are enjoying a bumper harvest this year, with better size, quality and yield than seasons past.
Rather than ordering online, many travelers now come directly to Jiangsu for a waterfront “crab rendezvous”—sampling the freshest crabs right beside the waters where they are raised, while taking in the tranquil autumn scenery along the way.
“As the saying goes, ‘If not for the Yangcheng Lake crab, why choose to live in Suzhou?’” This well-known line from Tang Guoli captures the unrivaled reputation of the Yangcheng Lake hairy crab, long celebrated as the “top-tier” delicacy in the world of crabs.
