Hongze District in Huai'an City uses crabs as a medium to link tourism offerings across the district during autumn and winter and plans to host the "Crabs in Hongze" 2026 Hongze Lake Hairy Crab Consumption Season for Autumn and Winter Cultural Tourism from September 26 to December 31.

The event will kick off on September 26 at the main venue, Yuehu Bay Shipyard Memory. At the venue, the Hongze cultural tourism IP, a must-visit checklist, and an autumn and winter consumption map will be released, alongside a vibrant bazaar, band performances, and fun games; live performances of classic songs will also take place after nightfall. From September 25 to 27, the 2026 Grand Canal Power Board Series (Huai'an Hongze Station) will kick off at the Hongze Fisherman's Bay Scenic Area.

In addition, Hongze District will roll out events across three sub-venues. From September 26 to the end of the year, Hongze Lake Food City will continuously hold crab banquet tastings and crab gift shopping events; from October 1 to 2, Jiangba Old Street will offer specialty lake delicacies paired with folk performances, intangible cultural heritage lantern fairs, molten iron flower shows, and firework displays; from October 3 to 4, Laozi Mountain will launch a series of activities featuring autumn harvest displays, crab tastings, DIY experiences, and hot spring experiences. Additionally, interactive parade events will be held at popular spots along the Hongze Lake embankment, and the "Fisherman's Bay Wharf–Zhouqiao Dyke" cruise route will be open free of charge, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the autumn scenery of this lake city.

Hongze District will also distribute millions of yuan in consumer benefits during the event; starting from September 17, visitors can claim multi-tiered consumer vouchers for free without thresholds through designated channels. From September 26 to October 7, landmark check-in campaigns, cultural tourism blind box draws, and Ly.com special page events will also be launched, ensuring visitors enjoy delicious food and have a great time in Hongze District.