A vending machine in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, is selling live crabs ahead of Mid-Autumn Festival.

The contraption is similar to other vending machines, except that it sells chilled crabs in neatly stacked rows.

With a click of a button, shoppers can get acrabfor 20 yuan ($3.20) during the trial operation, much lower than the market price. The price will depend on the size of the crab when formal operation starts.

The vending machine, which is different from those crammed with junk food, also sells packets of vinegar andginger.

The machine reduces personnel costs, Liu said, adding that he hopes to promote the vending machines at subway stations and supermarkets across the nation. With that, shoppers can satisfy theircravingfor crabs anytime, he added.

Crabmeat, which is prized for its unique sweet taste, is a popular treat during Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on Sept 19 this year.