Sanya's Yazhou Central Fishing Port is the largest fishing port in south China's island province of Hainan. Opened in 2016, it is already playing a vital role in the province's coastal economy, transforming the lives of those who make a living off the sea.

Every day, an average of 200 tonnes of fish and other types of seafood are unloaded here, supporting the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of people living nearby.

The exact time when fish are unloaded at the port is usually something of a mystery to visitors. Every vessel follows its own unique time frame. They only come to shore when the weather permits, and that's when buyers rush to buy their catch.

Lou Qiqi, a 26-year-old fishing vessel captain, told CGTN that he's not a local but he has been coming to the port every winter since it first opened.

"When vessels enter here, it's very convenient to unload and sell fish, and ice is provided," he said, adding that staying up all night or waking up early morning is all part of the job.

He emphasized that he enjoys his life at sea. "When I have more time, I go to shore. But most of my life is at sea."

When asked about how he hoped to find a girlfriend, the captain said, "I'm not thinking about it now. I want to catch more fish first so I can let my parents live a better life."

The port has witnessed more than 40,000 visits from vessels since its opening.

The fish and seafood unloaded here is transported across China. Unsurprisingly, it also features heavily on the dinner tables of local people.

Picking up some shrimps, Luo said it is a seafood product and local people like to cook it with porridge. "It tastes good."