The Hongyu apricot, also known as "Golden Apricot," is mainly produced in Licheng and Changqing districts of Jinan. With over 2,000 years of cultivation history, it is considered the finest apricot variety in Shandong. The fruit is round, weighing 60–83 grams per piece, with the largest reaching up to 150 grams. Its edible portion accounts for 91.6–93.9% of the total. Both the skin and flesh are orange-red, and the flesh is tender,...
Zhaobaidu Xiangchun: The cultivation of Zhaobaidu Xiangchun has a long history, with documented records dating back over 400 years. In the 24th year of the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing reign (1545), the great dramatist Li Kaixian visited Longzang Cave on the 15th day of the sixth lunar month, accompanied by his friend Yang Shangqing and more than ten others. He left behind the poetic line “Water flows cold from the stone’s edge; fragrance drifts from the blossoms with the wind…”
Caofan Walnuts: The cultivation of Caofan walnuts boasts a long history, dating back over 2,000 years, with documented records spanning more than 500 years. A poem attests to their fame: “Admired for five hundred springs and autumns, renowned in Compendium of Materia Medica, prized for thin shells and fragrant kernels, favored in both domestic and international markets.” They are mainly grown in the southern mountainous areas of Zhangqiu City, including Caofan, Duozhuang...
Celery is divided into two main types: the Chinese (local) type and the European/American (Western) type. The Western type, also known as celery, is a variety of the plant. Many foreign cultivars have been introduced and promoted in large coastal cities. The Western type differs significantly in appearance from the local Chinese type. Local celery has slender, often hollow petioles, more fiber, and a strong aroma, mainly used for stir-frying or...
Wenzu Prickly Ash: The history of prickly ash cultivation in Zhangqiu dates back a long time. Historical records indicate that planting began as early as the Northern Wei Dynasty, with large-scale cultivation starting during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, and it has been continuously grown ever since. Wenzu Prickly Ash is a renowned agricultural product of Zhangqiu City, with its production concentrated in the picturesque southern mountainous region of the city. This area is part of the Taiyi Mountain Range…
【Chicken Claw Soft-shell Walnuts】 The history of walnut cultivation in the southern mountainous area of Licheng District dates back over 600 years. Through generations of careful farming, the walnuts gradually evolved and mutated into the unique “Chicken Claw Soft-shell Walnuts” of Licheng. The fruiting branches of these walnuts are short (5–10 cm), shaped like chicken claws, and possess strong continuous fruiting ability…
【He Shi】 Also known as millstone persimmon, lid persimmon, or box persimmon, He Shi is the main cultivar of persimmon trees in Shandong. It is characterized by large fruit, with a diameter of about 100 mm, weighing 200–250 grams, and a flat, round shape. The middle has a furrow, making it look like two fruit boxes joined together or two millstones stacked to form a mill-like shape. The fruit surface is smooth and orange-yellow…
【Yulong Snow Peach】 Grown in Yulong Village, Caishi Township, Licheng District, it is harvested around early December when light snow begins to fall, hence the name "snow peach." Its growth period lasts 200 to 220 days, making it an excellent late-ripening variety. The average weight of a single Yulong Snow Peach is 100–150 grams, with the largest reaching up to 300 grams. When ripe, the fruit is greenish-white…
Liubu Chinese Toon. Liubu in Licheng District, Jinan, has long been known for its Chinese toon shoots. A 1930 report from the Shandong First Forestry Bureau stated: “The mountains of Liubu are widely planted with Chinese toon, and during early spring, thousands of pounds of toon shoots are sold at each market.” In spring, tender Chinese toon shoots are dipped in batter and deep-fried, creating a dish known as “Chinese toon fish,” which is a traditional delicacy of Jinan. …
【Tangwang Small-Root Chinese Cabbage】 Tangwang Small-Root Chinese Cabbage originates from the vast plains along the Juye River in Tangwang Town, Licheng District, Jinan City. It is mainly grown in over ten villages including Tangwang, Hanjia, Dongzhang, Shixu, Zhifang, and Yanjia. The highest quality is produced in the southern garden plots of Tangwang Village, hence the name. Tangwang Small-Root Chinese Cabbage...
Made by scalding millet flour into dough, then pressing it through a sieve to form fine noodles, which are cooked and set aside. Before serving, they are topped with one of three flavorful broths: rich stock, braised pork knuckle, or sesame paste. Each offers a unique taste.…
High-piled steamed buns are one of Jinan’s long-standing traditional flour-based foods. The most famous maker of high-piled steamed buns in Jinan is Yang Mingyou, whose crafting technique has been passed down through four generations. With rich experience, his buns enjoy a high reputation in northern China. Many shops in Jinan produce high-piled steamed buns. During the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period, there were several bun shops, among which the more well-known ones...
Jinan Sausage is a famous product of Jinan City, Shandong Province, with a long production history, unique flavor, easy storage, and convenient consumption, making it very popular. Ingredients: 100 kilograms of pork, 400 grams of Chinese prickly ash, 200 grams of large clove powder, 150 grams of cardamom powder, 150 grams of cinnamon powder, 150 grams of fennel powder, 1 kilogram of fresh scallions, 1 kilogram of…
is a traditional and historic famous dish from Shandong. Sautéed Double Crispy is one of the distinctive dishes in the Shandong cuisine of Chinese culinary traditions. It primarily uses chicken gizzard as the main ingredient and is cooked mainly through quick oil stir-frying. The method of making Sautéed Double Crispy is very simple — just follow the recipe steps, and you will surely enjoy a delicious dish. …
Wenzu Town in Zhangqiu City is located in the southern mountainous region of Zhangqiu, Jinan, Shandong Province. The area features crisscrossing mountain ranges, lush vegetation, spectacular scenery, and a unique climate, making it a naturally unpolluted environment. The superior geographical conditions create optimal growing conditions for local crops, yielding abundant produce, among which Wenzu Chinese Toon is especially renowned. Wenzu...
In Baojia Village, Xinzhai Township, Zhangqiu City, Shandong Province, there is a history of celery cultivation spanning several hundred years. While celery is widely grown in Zhangqiu, only the celery from Baojia Village stands out with its rich aroma, vibrant green color, and slightly sweet taste upon eating — qualities unmatched by other varieties. In local markets, people specifically seek out the celery grown in Baojia Village, referring to it as Baojia Celery. …
Longshan is located in the birthplace of the Longshan Culture, where people have mastered the craft of making tofu since ancient times. The southern part of Longshan is hilly and produces high-quality soybeans and black beans. In particular, the local groundwater is the best water source for making tofu. The locals make tofu without using gypsum or brine—just the well water from the area to coagulate the soy milk. According to…
Soft-shelled Turtle from Baiyun Lake: “Returning late after boating on Baiyun Lake” is one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Zhangqiu.” Throughout history, literati and poets either rowed boats here or drank and composed poetry, leaving behind many elegant verses. It can be said to be rich in cultural heritage and steeped in history. The soft-shelled turtle is one of the main aquatic products of Baiyun Lake. With its plump body and delicious taste, it is considered a top-tier delicacy when hosting guests in Zhangqiu...
It is a product developed by Mr. Jiao Qiheng, a member of the Zhangqiu City Catering and Service Industry Association, based on his family’s secret recipe. After years of research and traditional processing techniques, it has a history of over 30 years. It was recognized as a “Famous Local Snack” by the Zhangqiu City Catering and Service Industry Association in the first and second Local Flavor Snack Competitions, and is deeply loved by consumers. This product uses more than ten kinds of…
The “Caofan” brand millet is produced and managed by the Specialty Products Gift Shop in Caofan Town, Zhangqiu City. It is a type of bluestone mountain millet, featuring plump grains, golden color, pure flavor, smooth texture, and rich taste. It offers health benefits such as nourishing kidney qi, clearing stomach heat, relieving diabetes-related thirst (diabetes), and promoting urination. The planting base for “Caofan” brand millet spans 0.8 million...