A line of preserved ducks. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

As the Chinese New Year draws nearer, preserved goods produced by villagers in Gaocheng, Hangzhou have been selling like hotcakes.

Local villagers have been preparing preserved goods like ducks and pork for months now, with rows of marinated food hanging from eaves and courtyards to amplify the local festive atmosphere with a simple but strong air seasoning.

"We've sold more than 1,000 preserved ducks, over 1,200 pickled breams, and all the cured pork from four pigs," said Zheng Meihua, a local homestay owner. "We use specially selected local ducks, cooked on the spot. The taste is incomparable to anywhere else."

In addition to the preserved goods, there's also a renowned delicacy – Gaocheng smoked chicken. To prepare it, freshly marinated chickens are air-dried for about three days, followed by a unique smoking process and a half-day of sun exposure.

The neatly lined-up smoked chickens, even from a distance, emit a tempting aroma. They are also an exclusive menu only served by local homestays. So far, Gaocheng has sold over 3,000 smoked chickens, generating more than 200,000 yuan ($27,842.8) in sales.

Unfortunately, due to the approaching Spring Festival and recent continuous rainfall, which is unsuitable for making smoked chicken, several homestays in Gaocheng have already stopped selling the chicken. Those looking to purchase existing stock should act quickly.

Lines of smoked chickens. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]