Clam-digging craze draws tourists to coastal Rizhao

As the warm, salty sea breeze of early summer drifts ashore, the beach at Haiyuan Village in Taoluo Town, Rizhao, east China's Shandong Province has come alive with the sounds of laughter and excitement. The retreating tide reveals damp sand – like a natural treasure map – enticing crowds of locals and tourists to join in a seasonal clam-digging frenzy.

During the recent Labor Day holiday, a nearby sandy beach at Liujiawan in Taoluo Town launched a special event called "Gifts from the Dragon King" to enhance the visitor experience. Clams were scattered across designated areas to ensure even inexperienced tourists could share the thrill of the catch. Inspired by local folklore, the activity symbolically connects the joy of clam digging with the blessings of the sea deity.

The southeastern coastline of Taoluo Town is home to four villages, including Haiyuan, and is known for its robust marine economy. The area boasts the large-capacity Fuxin Fishing Port, more than 100 fishing vessels, and 500 greenhouse-style aquaculture farms, and acres of cultivated tidal flats. The local government has implemented unified village planning to integrate resources and promote industries such as seafood processing, cold-chain logistics, boutique homestays, and hands-on coastal experiences.

This holistic approach has not only strengthened the traditional aquaculture sector but also transformed these fishing villages into thriving coastal tourism destinations, bringing both prosperity and vibrancy to their shores.