A booth established by Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province, at the 2023 Tourism Plus Shanghai event. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

The 2023 Tourism Plus Shanghai event commenced on May 29 at the National Convention and Exhibition Center in Shanghai and will run until June 1.

Thirteen companies from Taizhou - located in East China's Zhejiang province - are attending the expo, drawing visitors with their vast selection of cultural and creative products.

The culinary delights presented by Taizhou-based companies have garnered significant attention, with particular standouts including live yellow croakers, pre-made seafood dishes, and "self-heating" health supplements, served in pot-form.

Xingxian (Zhejiang) Supply Chain Co Ltd's exhibit stands out prominently with three live yellow croakers on display in a boxy fish tank.

Chen Wenrong, general manager at the company, a first-time participant at the expo, explained several vats of seawater sourced from the Dachen, an outlying island administered by Taizhou, were prepared to accurately emulate the croakers' natural breeding environment. Xingxian is also exhibiting seafood gift packs and frozen water products.

Taizhou cuisine has become increasingly popular, as catering enterprises seek to expand into other regions across the nation. 

The leading dining establishments, including Xin Rong Ji, Shun Ji, and Tai Xiang Yuan, have already established a foothold in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. More than 1,300 restaurants based in Taizhou are operating in Shanghai alone, with a Taizhou restaurant present every four kilometers within the city's streets and alleyways.