Gourmands will have a reason to treat their tongue with delicious crabs. The first crab festival will be open on September 28 in Yangchenghu Lake in east China's Suzhou city, the netease.com website reported.

The festival is said to be the most important festive activity in Suzhou in the second half of the year. It is also considered as a big gala for writers, musicians and photographers to gather together. Sightseeing, business deals and cultural exchange activities will all have a place here.

During the month-long festival, participants will enjoy a series of events such as crab hunting, trade negotiations, ethnic culture display and seminars on tourist culture. A nightlife market fair will be held in which local arts and crafts as well as famous local snacks will be displayed to treat the public. Visitors can appreciate music and photographs presented by local artists, take a driving out tour or have fun in golf, horse racing or fishing.

The festival intends to create a big advertising effect in the society. Some large media institutions from home and abroad will join the festival and report the event.

By holding the festival, local government hopes that more people will know about the crab growing in the region. The Yangchenghu lake is said to have the largest crab raising area in China. The production volume of the live fresh water crab is said to be greatest and the quality of the crab is said to be the best. Right now, the lake produces 2,000 tons of crabs every year.

A series of events, such as the nigh life fair, scholar meeting and driving fans' party are held to make visitors enjoy the festival from every aspect.

(Chinanews.cn August 25, 2005)