Ahead of the times, at least by Western standards of Marco Polo’s day, Hangzhou’s aquaculture has been practiced here since the Middle Ages. “There is also great store of fish from the [West] lake, which is the constant resort of fishermen, who have no other business. Their fish is of sundry kinds, changing with the season, and, owing to the impurities of the city which pass into the lake, it is remarkable fat and savory.” The Travels of Marco Polo, Vol 2, Bk 2, Ch 77 Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China