The 8th China International Peal Festival opened in the township of Shanxiahu in Zhuji, Zhejiang province on Oct 30, 2012.

Shanxiahu, known as the pearl capital of China, is the world's largest producer, processor and supplier of fresh water pearl.

The cultivated area for fresh water pearl in Shanxiahu reaches 200,000 mu (13.33 sq km), producing 73 percent of the world's total fresh water pearl, and 80 percent of that in China.

The city's pearl industry saw an industrial output of 6.58 billion yuan ($1.05 billion) in 2011, and exports turnover reached $278 million that year.

Output of Zhuji's pearl products and accessories developed in the first half reached 503 million yuan, up 66 percent year-on-year.

Visitors select pearl products in CP&J City, a jewelry mall in Zhuji, Zhejiang province, Oct 30, 2012. [Photo/CFP]

A woman looks at pearl products in CP&J City, a jewelry mall in Zhuji, Zhejiang province, Oct 30, 2012. [Photo/CFP]