Orders for the popular Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs, which officially went on sale on Tuesday, are lower than in previous years because of the government's ban on extravagance. However, prices for the sought-after delicacy have nonetheless skyrocketed.

Crab farmers began catching Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs on Tuesday, opening the season for the crustacean.

The crabs are raised in Yangcheng Lake, which is located in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, and are known for their golden furry claws and female crab roe. They have historically been part of China's Mid-Autumn Festival banquet table and are given as gifts during the holiday.