Chinese Whole Fish Presentation (Shang Yu / 上鱼礼仪)
National Chinese — ancient banquet tradition
The presentation and serving of whole fish at a Chinese banquet follows strict etiquette with deep symbolic meaning. The fish must be presented with head pointing toward the guest of honour (host's right) as a sign of respect. The first person to eat is the guest of honour — they take from the top fillet. Turning the fish over is avoided in southern coastal communities (bad luck for fishermen — symbolises a capsized boat).