The opening ceremony of the 2022 Wanshan Islands International Fishing Open Championship will take place on Dec 16. The actual competition will take place over Dec 17 and 18, with 160 domestic and overseas competitors trying to bag the 200,000 yuan ($28,668) grand prize.

Islands in Zhuhai's Wanshan Archipelago such as Dong'ao, Big Wanshan, Small Wanshan, Baili, Hengzhou, and Zhuzhou islands will be divided into competition areas A and B.

Competitors will draw straws to determine their competition areas and can choose their own position in the designated area to begin fishing for breams and other fish.

The Wanshan Islands International Fishing Open Championship is equivalent to the Oscars in Chinese sea fishing communities. Additionally, Wanshan Archipelago has been recognized as "heaven" for sea fishermen.

The Wanshan Archipelago is a natural sea fishing area with well-preserved islands, reefs, and biological resources. It is home to a lot of migrating fish such as sparuslatus, black sea breams, white biskops, and red porgies. These fish are recognized as standard grade catches in various international sea fishing competitions.

Fishing boats dock at the port of Wanshan Archipelago [Photo courtesy WeChat account: gh_f42262a5613d]

The subtropical climate of Wanshan Archipelago means that people in or around the area enjoy an average temperature of 22.5 degrees.

During this year's event, various areas will be set up to promote investments, sell distinctive local products, and hold introductory fishing lessons to those attending.  Famous enterprises in local towns will also be invited.

Performances such as lion dances and live band shows will also be staged during the event, and free medical consultations for island residents will also be available.

Hezhou's local government noted that the competition will be key in promoting the development of Wanshan Archipelago's unique tourism resources, driving the transformation of traditional fishing industry, as well as striving to turn Zhuhai into a "global city of fishing."