Oysters and crabs farmed in saline-alkali ponds in Xinjiang

According to Chen, all the ponds rely exclusively on local groundwater. The water is first left to settle so that rust can be removed, then exposed to sunlight for more than seven days before being channeled into the ponds.

"Water quality is monitored every three days after seedlings are stocked, with calcium, magnesium, potassium, and other basic minerals replenished as needed. Lactic acid bacteria, photosynthetic bacteria, and suitable beneficial algae are also regularly introduced to support the growth of the aquatic organisms," Chen said.

Crab seedlings, fish fry, and oyster seedlings are all sourced from Zhejiang, air-freighted in, and stocked in batches. Oysters feed mainly on cultivated algae. The crabs and fish are fed mainly chilled fresh small fish and shrimp, trucked overland from Zhejiang in refrigerated vehicles.

Local demand has underpinned the project's growth. "We don't worry about sales. Local fresh seafood markets remain largely untapped, leaving ample room for domestically farmed products with little risk of oversupply. Local consumers now buy live seafood right here," Chen said.

He plans to expand the oyster farming area to 10 hectares next year.

In Ganquan township, white jade crabs have entered their harvest season under the guidance of Shu Qifu, a technician from a crab-breeding company in Huzhou, Zhejiang.