By the Liuyang River, A Crayfish Feast

In Liuyang, skipping a crayfish feast means missing the soul of a summer night.

The prime season for crayfish in Liuyang runs from April to August. The best quality crayfish come from June to August, when the meat is at its most plump and springy. By late April, crayfish become widely available at more affordable prices.

As the sun sets and the air fills with the aroma of garlic and chili, the night comes alive. "Let's go grab a couple jin of spicy crayfish!" — this local invitation is the deepest tribute to the season. Just as the Liuyang Mandarin Fireworks carefully crafts each firework, Liuyang's chefs pour the same dedication into every pot of crayfish.

A Pot of Red Heat, Liuyang Flavor

The undisputed king is Spicy Crayfish. Bright red shells, rich broth — first suck the spicy juice from the shell, then peel out the springy meat and dip it again in the sauce. The explosion of flavor in your mouth is just like a firework bursting across the night sky.

For those who don't eat spicy food, Garlic Crayfish is a great choice. Golden minced garlic coats the meat with a sweet, savory aroma. Don't waste a drop of the sauce — mix it with noodles.

Another must-try is Braised Crayfish. Slowly simmered in a secret spice broth, the shells absorb the rich aroma, and the meat becomes deeply flavorful — delicious even without any extra dip.

The Steamed Difference

As the hometown of steamed cuisine, Liuyang even steams its crayfish. Steamed Plain Crayfish uses no heavy spices, allowing the natural sweetness to shine. Dip it lightly in sauce and taste the pure essence of the ingredient.

Crayfish Festival

Eating crayfish in Liuyang is about the warmth of human connection. Dialects, laughter, clinking glasses, and piles of red shells fill the night. Everyone, regardless of status, digs in with both hands — messy, happy, and real.

As empty beer bottles line up and a river breeze cools your face, you understand the beauty of a Liuyang summer night: half brilliant fireworks above, half red, sizzling crayfish below.

Every year from June to July, Liuyang hosts a lively Crayfish Festival. Night stalls and restaurants across the city join the feast, drawing food lovers from all around.

Welcome to Liuyang Mandarin Fireworks to watch the fireworks, and welcome to Liuyang to taste the crayfish!