The old site of southern China’s largest seafood wholesale hub, the Huangsha seafood market in Guangzhou, is set to officially close this month, with all vendors required to relocate to the newly built facilities across the river.
The new complex, named Huangsha Seafood Center, opened on Sept. 8 and is intended to replace the decades-old market as the region’s main seafood trading venue.
However, some vendors have yet to move due to various reasons and continued operating at the old market during China’s Golden Week holiday (Oct. 1-8).
Market operator Guangzhou Port Group has announced a series of restrictive measures to accelerate the transition. Starting 10:00 a.m. on Oct. 15, seafood trading vehicles — including logistics and wholesale trucks — will be barred from entering the old market.
From Oct. 22, further restrictions will take effect, including limits on water supply and the closure of facilities, with the operator ceasing all services.
All vendors have been instructed to settle rent and utility fees up to Sept. 30 and complete exit procedures, as business operations will no longer be permitted after Oct. 15.
Guangzhou Port Group said it will enforce a “no entry, only exit” policy to ensure that, once the old market withdraws from seafood wholesale activities, no seafood-related operations continue on the site.
The old Huangsha Market has been in operation for over three decades, hosting more than 200 varieties of fresh and live seafood from over 20 countries, with an annual trading volume exceeding 270,000 metric tons and a transaction value of more than CNY 10 billion ($1.39bn).
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