Xiapu is one of the most beautiful areas in China which draws huge waves of tourists and photographers around the world. The Xiapu mudflats span 40 sq km, with more than 400km of coastline. During harvest, farmers dry the kelp on nets strung up on bamboo poles embedded in the mud. At high tide these mud flats get flooded, which in return creates a very unique landscape. Seaweed farming has grown rapidly in recent years and has become a pillar industry of the local marine economy in Xiapu.