By Zhao Yu

On the morning of April 22, the clatter of pots and pans echoed in the kitchen of Yi Heju Homestay in Qiucun Town, Fenghua District. After tidying up the guest rooms, Chen Na, the homestay owner, was busy testing out a new dish—seaweed-and-shrimp patties. “My team and I are working on a new menu. Last night, a guest suggested that we do some seaweed-based specialty dishes for the May Day holiday,” Chen explained. The ingredients for the seaweed-and-shrimp patties include early-season seaweed and shrimp harvested locally, alongside farm fresh free-range eggs, corn, carrots, and more.

Chen, 36, is a well-known entrepreneur in Qiucun Town. In 2019, she returned to her hometown to start her own business. In July of last year, Chen became the new owner of Yi Heju Homestay, which has 10 guest rooms, including seven double-bed rooms. There are over 100 works of calligraphy and painting on display, creating a unique atmosphere. The kitchen serves mouthwatering seafood dishes.

Recently, Chen started selling local produce at the homestay's front desk: sun-dried fish, shrimp, seaweed, and canned braised bamboo shoots, all harvested and prepared by local farmers. “Right now, dried seaweed is the most popular,” she said, holding up a bundle. “It's dark green and tender, with hardly any sand. After a quick soak, it can be used in salads, stir-fries, or soups.”

Lately, local fishermen have been busy drying seaweed on the docks whenever the sun is out. Chen often drives over to handpick the best batches to sell at the homestay.

“Thanks to Chen Na, our seafood practically sells itself,” said Yang Liu'en, a villager from Yingjiapeng Village, proudly displaying his sun-dried seaweed. In recent years, Chen has helped seaweed farmers in Yingjiapeng Village boost their sales online, using smart marketing strategies and eye-catching packaging design. Last year, through her efforts, over 1,500 kilograms of dried seaweed reached supermarkets, restaurants, and retail stores. “The sea near Qiucun Town is calm, with no silt or freezing, providing an ideal environment for seaweed growth,” Chen said. Many customers come all the way from Shanghai, Hangzhou, and beyond, drawn by Qiucun's sea produce.

Currently, Qiucun Town produces over 900 tons of dried seaweed annually, with a total output value exceeding 8 million yuan.