Chunyan Century Egg was first established in the early 20th century and has a history of over 100 years, earning the title “Number One Century Egg in Eastern Hubei.” It is renowned among households for its unique recipe, large size, delicious taste, and rich nutrition. The egg resembles amber in appearance, is elastic, crystal-clear and semi-transparent, with a yolk that displays a rainbow of colors, emits a fragrant aroma, and is not greasy when eaten...
Wuxue Crisp Candy was originally called Osmanthus Dongtang. Legend has it that a filial son surnamed Dong had a mother who fell ill and refused to eat. He stir-fried flour and mixed it with cane sugar, sesame crumbs, osmanthus, and other ingredients, creating a delicious taste that his mother loved. It was later adapted into the pastry industry, initially named Osmanthus Dongtang. Because people did not understand the meaning of the two characters “Dongtang,” it was renamed Osmanthus Crisp Candy. Osmanthus...
Local Specialties of Lianglu I. Melons (Watermelons & Muskmelons) The main varieties of watermelons in Lianglu are mid-to-early maturing types such as Xin Hongbao and 8155; the main muskmelon varieties include Haoyun Muskmelon and Fengtian No.1. The key characteristics of these melons are short growth cycles, high yields, and good economic returns. Typically, the full growth period is around 80 days. Watermelons can yield over 6,000 jin per mu; muskmelons yield 3,000–4,000 jin per mu, with high yields reaching over 5,000 jin. The average net income from watermelons is 700–800 yuan per mu, up to 1,200 yuan at most, and no less than 500 yuan; for muskmelons, the average net income is generally 800–900 yuan per mu, peaking at 1,400 yuan, with a minimum of 700 yuan. Planting one mu of watermelons or muskmelons can be equivalent to planting 5–6 mu of early rice. In 2000, the planting area of watermelons and muskmelons in Lianglu was 3,000 mu.
Kudzu is a vine plant of the legume family, valuable in its entirety with high economic worth. Its powder: a green food product that combines nutrition, medicinal benefits, and culinary uses; its residue: a premium fiber material; its leaves: high-protein, complete feed; its flowers: a precious hangover remedy. Variety characteristics: large root tubers, thick vines, broad leaf surfaces, and short branch spacing. It has wide adaptability and can grow in various types of soil…
Water caltrop, an aquatic plant also known as "lingjiao'er." It is a seed plant. Cultivated or growing wild in various southern provinces of China, it thrives especially in lakeside areas along counties near the Yangtze River in eastern Hubei, with the highest concentration at Ce Lake in Xishui. Its fruit is edible, young stems can be used as vegetables, and the fruit features sharp horns, commonly referred to as water caltrops. Growing in lakes, the vines of the water caltrop bear green leaves...
Honey-Glazed Lotus Root in Xiushui, also known as "Dongpo Lotus Root," is a local delicacy. It is made by selecting fresh lotus roots harvested in autumn and winter from Zhima Lake in Xiushui. After cleaning, the holes of the lotus roots are filled with glutinous rice, then steamed multiple times with ingredients such as rock sugar, kumquat pulp, lotus seeds, peanuts, and osmanthus. The dish is sweet, tender, and starchy, with delicate threads. Legend has it that Su Dongpo...
Originally a tribute to the Qing Dynasty imperial court and included in Empress Dowager Cixi’s menu, this product is now exported to Japan, the United States, Hong Kong, and other regions. It is refined using modern scientific methods and contains a variety of vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. With a sweet and delicious taste, it helps consolidate vitality, strengthen bones and muscles, replenish deficiencies, nourish blood, and promote fluid production. Suitable for all ages, it is truly an excellent nutritional and health product...
Xishui Bashan Sesame Lake lotus root is one of the four famous local products of eastern Hubei and has been listed as an imperial tribute since the Ming and Qing dynasties. Unlike ordinary lotus roots, which typically have seven holes, Sesame Lake lotus root has nine. Ordinary lotus roots are cylindrical in shape, with an old yellow skin, many joints covered in joint hair, and are fibrous when eaten raw. In contrast, this lotus root is thick and sturdy, with each stalk consisting of three sections, each about two feet long, …
Crab Roe and Catfish Maw is a local delicacy. The preparation method is as follows: Select two large female crabs from Maoshan, tie their legs tightly with string to prevent the crab roe from leaking out, steam them in a steamer for twenty minutes, then remove them. Scrape out the crab roe and peel out the crab meat. Wipe the dust off the catfish maw. Place a clay pot over the fire, add one jin and two liang of lard, then put in the catfish maw. Wait until the catfish maw becomes soft…
Crab Roe and Shark’s Fin is one of the classic dishes in Hubei cuisine. It primarily uses dried tofu as the main ingredient, and the cooking method mainly involves braising, resulting in a savory and umami-rich flavor. The dish is characterized by crispy and tender shark’s fin, rich, oily, and aromatic crab roe and meat, along with a thick, flavorful soup. As a traditional Nanjing delicacy, it is a seasonal autumn treat and an essential item at high-end banquets. Basic Information…
Crab Roe Tofu is a local delicacy. The preparation method is as follows: select two live crabs from Maoshan, clean them, place them in a steamer, steam over high heat until cooked, then remove and extract the crab meat using bamboo sticks. In a bowl, pour two taels of pork broth, flip the crab shells over into the broth to rinse out the crab roe. Beat the egg yolks in a bowl. Slice the fresh tofu and blanch it briefly in boiling water over high heat...
Qishui Lotus Root Powder Dumplings are pink, translucent, soft, glutinous, and refreshing, making them a local delicacy. The preparation method involves mixing lotus root powder (preferably from Zhi Ma Hu in Qishui) with cold water, then scalding it with boiling water to cook it. The mixture is kneaded into a long strip, cut into small pieces, flattened, and then filled with a mixture of lard, osmanthus, rock sugar, white sugar, and sesame. The edges are sealed, the dumplings are rolled into shape...
Wuxue (Zhang Shuiquan) bamboo crafts, renowned as exquisite works of art, have enjoyed enduring popularity and been passed down through generations. Today, bamboo craft experts and artisans in Wuxue have built upon the techniques of Zhang Shuiquan, the “Sage of Bamboo Art,” achieving new advancements. They have developed and produced over 450 varieties of bamboo products, including bamboo ware, bamboo weaving, and bamboo carving, bringing the artistry of Zhang Shuiquan bamboo crafts back to prominence.
Wuxue City, formerly known as Guangji County (Guangji County Annals, p. 34), is located on the northern bank of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and the southern foothills of the Dabie Mountains. The area has a long history of rapeseed cultivation, with written records dating back to the Qing Dynasty (Qing·Guangji County Annals, p. 38). In 1979, the county’s rapeseed production reached 8,500 tons, ranking first among all counties in the province...
Dajin Pressed Duck is a specialty of Dajin Town, Wuxue City, Huanggang, Hubei Province. The selection of ingredients, preparation, and cooking of Dajin Pressed Duck all follow a complete set of traditional methods, and it can be stewed or roasted. It is a famous local product of Wuxue. Legend has it that during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, when Hou Jing rebelled and besieged Tai City, Xiao Sheng of the Liang Dynasty was so busy defending the city that he had no time to eat. It was early autumn, and the townspeople...
Liuyangqiao Sealed Jar Wine is produced in the administrative regions of Qingquan Town and Lanxi Town, both under the jurisdiction of Xishui County, Hubei Province. “Letter from the People’s Government of Xishui County Regarding the Request to Define the Protection Scope of the Geographical Indication Product Liuyangqiao Sealed Jar Wine,” Xishui Government Document No. [2014] 40. Hubei Provincial Local Standard: “Liuyangqiao Sealed Jar Wine” (draft)...
Bas River Fish Noodles are a specialty of Bashe Town, Xishui County, Huanggang City, Hubei Province. Made primarily from high-quality fresh fish from Wangtian Lake, premium flour, and starch, along with ingredients such as eggs and refined salt using traditional techniques, these noodles can be served as a staple food or as a featured dish at banquets. They can be stir-fried, deep-fried, or boiled, and also make an excellent addition to hot pot...
Xishui Glutinous Rice Sealed Jar Wine is a specialty of Xishui County, Huanggang City, Hubei Province. It has a yellowish-brown color and boasts a rich aroma with a uniquely sweet, sour, and mellow flavor. It contains various nutrients such as sugars, amino acids, and vitamins produced through the fermentation of microorganisms, offering nourishing and health benefits. Xishui County enjoys uniquely favorable conditions for brewing ingredients...
Wutian Lake Bighead Carp. Located in the waters of Wutian Lake, Bashan Town, Xishui County, Hubei Province, between latitude 30°25′40″ to 30°33′17″ and longitude 115°01′58″ to 115°10′36″. The document “Xishui County People’s Government Request for Defining the National Geographical Indication Product Protection Scope of Wutian Lake Bighead Carp”...
Artemisia selengensis, also known as sweet wormwood, water wormwood, or fragrant mugwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant. It grows wild in wet areas such as barren beaches and, due to its strong adaptability and low susceptibility to pests and diseases, has been cultivated into a pollution-free, nutrient-rich green vegetable. Scattered Flowers Artemisia selengensis is an off-season wild vegetable obtained through protected cultivation of wild large-leaf Artemisia selengensis...