The crisp whisper of autumn in China brings with it more than just the
lantern-lit glow of Mid-Autumn. It unveils a gastronomic ritual steeped
in poetry, status, and seasonal precision: the arrival of the hairy crab—
dàzháxiè—China’s most coveted crustacean delicacy. At its heart lies an
interplay of nature, economy, and cultural yearning, connecting Suzhou’s
jade-green waters to dinner tables across the nation.