The Small-Tailed Han Sheep is an animal species under the family Bovidae and subfamily Caprinae. It is a dual-purpose (meat and wool) sheep breed in China, known for its rapid growth, early maturity, strong reproductive capacity, stable genetic performance, and adaptability. Recognized as a premium livestock breed by the state, it is hailed by people as China’s “national treasure,” the world’s “super sheep,” and the “high-legged sheep.” It has also been included in the…
The steamed dishes popular in Hongtun use a wide range of ingredients and come in many varieties. From delicacies such as mountain specialties, seafood, chicken, duck, fish, and meat, to fruits, vegetables, and greens, all can be transformed into fragrant, tender, and pure-flavored dishes. These dishes emphasize an abundant and well-rounded banquet spread, featuring both hot and cold items, appropriately plated, with diverse styles and complementary food pairings. Each dish has its own unique characteristics—some are fragrant, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth, others are crispy, fresh, and refreshing, rich and full-bodied. When topped with broth masterfully prepared by skilled chefs using premium stocks, the complexity and finesse of the cooking technique truly shine.
Hollow noodles, also known as hanging noodles, have a history of over a hundred years. The production process is complex and requires high technical skill, involving more than ten steps and taking 15 hours to complete. The ingredients are high-quality flour and refined salt. For every 5 kilograms of flour, 0.1–0.15 kilograms of salt are added, depending on the season—more in winter and spring, less in summer and autumn…
White lotus root has a cultivation history of over a thousand years, and the lotus root from Boping’s Nanlian Pond was once an esteemed tribute. The ten-hole white lotus root produced in Nanlian Pond is delicate in texture, crisp, sweet, and free of residue, renowned through the ages. The most distinctive feature of the ten-hole white lotus root, which sets it apart from other types, is its ten holes—hence the name “ten-hole lotus root.” It is said that if lotus roots from other regions are planted in Nanlian Pond, they too will grow ten holes; whereas if Nanlian Pond’s “ten-hole lotus root” is planted elsewhere, it will not develop ten holes. Perhaps this is due to the long history of Nanlian Pond. The “ten-hole lotus root” grows particularly vigorously, with thick and large roots, some reaching diameters of eighty to ninety centimeters. The lotus leaves are as thick as copper coins and deep green in color.
The crispy winter jujube is round in shape, bright red in color, seedless, and boasts a rich jujube aroma when sniffed. It tastes fragrant, crisp, and refreshing upon biting, with a long-lasting aftertaste. Developed by Shandong Lüxiangyuan Fruit Industry Co., Ltd., the crispy winter jujube is a new variety of all-natural snack food. As one of the earliest companies to produce this product, Shandong Lüxiangyuan Fruit Industry Co., Ltd. introduced the crispy winter jujube...
Jiazhai Grapes are a specialty of Chiping County, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province. Region: Shandong Applicant: Grape Association of Jiazhai Town, Chiping County Announcement date: 2014 Region: Jiazhai Town is located in the northern part of Liaocheng City, about 20 kilometers from the city center. It borders Dongchangfu District to the west, Linqing City to the north, Chiping County to the east, and Liaocheng City to the south. Jia...
Nanlian Pond Lotus Roots from Boping are a specialty of Boping Town, Chiping County, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province. The ten-hole white lotus roots from Nanlian Pond in Boping are pure white and delicate in texture, crisp, fragrant, and tender when eaten, leaving no residue. They are refreshing when raw, quenching thirst and invigorating the appetite, and delicious in color and taste when cooked. They are hailed as the “finest among lotus roots.” The ten-hole white lotus roots have a cultivation history of a thousand years. The Nanlian Pond in Boping Town, Chiping County...
Boping Horseshoe Sesame Cake is a specialty of Boping Town, Chiping County, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province. The “Horseshoe Sesame Cake” from Chengzhuang in Boping, locally known as Boping Cake or Hook-Hanging Oven Cake, features a golden color, crispy outside and tender inside, fragrant and sweet taste, and a unique style. Named for its horseshoe-like shape, it is a distinctive delicacy unique to Liaocheng City. Boping...
Xiao Zhuang leek sprouts are a specialty of Xiao Zhuang Township, Chiping County, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province. The leek sprouts from Xiao Zhuang feature superior varieties, high yields, and a long sprouting period, and are known to nourish kidneys and strengthen the body, as well as benefit the brain and promote longevity. Xiao Zhuang leek sprouts have been awarded a National Geographical Indication Certification trademark. Leeks are native to China and have been cultivated for over 3,000 years. As one of the province’s...
Xiaoyangtun Village, Fengtun Town, Chiping County, Shandong Province, is located in Liaocheng on the western plains of Shandong. The village currently has 101 households and a population of 403, with a cultivated land area of 1,251 mu. After repeated research and evaluation, the village chose the specialized industry of roast duck breeding and processing, which quickly developed into the dominant industry of the village. To promote the “one village, one product” initiative and develop the...
The Yanggu Whistle originates from the ancient musical instrument "xun." Originally called "gugu chong" (cooing bug), it is made by firing clay and is a traditional handmade entertainment item in Yanggu. Judging by its shape, sound, and materials, it evolved from the ancient xun. Yanggu Whistles vary in size from about 3 inches to 1 foot, featuring...
Yanggu Cloth Bag Chicken: A traditional delicacy of Yanggu. It has been passed down through generations by the Zhang family on Beijie Street in Yanggu County. The preparation method is unique—starting with a whole chicken that is deboned and its internal organs removed. The cavity is then stuffed with sea cucumber, squid, dried shrimp, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and ham, while the neck is filled with water-boiled meatballs. A peeled, boiled egg is placed at the back of the cavity. The chicken is seasoned and steamed, resulting in a milky-white broth after steaming, hence the name “Milk Soup Cloth Bag Chicken.” When the dish is steamed after being pan-fried, the broth turns red, known as “Red Braised Cloth Bag Chicken.” The finished dish is characterized by “folded wings and a bent neck as if nesting (like a hen settling into her nest), boneless and plump-backed, and when pressed lightly with chopsticks in front of guests, the egg can be released.” It is also called “The Phoenix Lays an Egg.” It has been designated as a “Famous Western Shandong Snack” by the Liaocheng Consumer Association.
The Yanggu Zhāotiānjiāo is a new high-yield, high-quality, and extra-spicy variety of facing-heaven chili pepper systematically bred over many years by the Yanggu Xianyun Chili Professional Cooperative. This variety has a growth period of 120 days and is of the limited branching type, typically producing 4–6 branches, though some may have up to 10. The plant height ranges from 50–70 cm, and the plant spread is 30–…
Jingyanggang Liquor is a specialty of Yanggu County, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province. It is known for its slightly yellow, transparent appearance, elegant and delicate flavor, harmonious aroma, full-bodied richness, and long-lasting aftertaste. Shandong Jingyanggang Liquor Co., Ltd. is located on Zishi Street in Yanggu County, the hometown of the tiger-fighting hero Wu Song. Established in 1950, the company currently has...
Yanggu Black Pigs are a specialty of Yanggu County, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province. The Yanggu Black Pig has been awarded a National Geographical Indication Certification Trademark. Yanggu County is located in the western part of Shandong Province, at the southern tip of Liaocheng City, north of the Yellow River, east of the Grand Canal, and bordering Henan Province to the south. The black pigs produced in Yanggu have glossy black fur, a compact build, quick reflexes, strong disease resistance and fertility, and…
Yanggu Woodcarving is a unique style of Jingyang woodcarving pioneered by founder Wang Chuancheng. Building upon traditional carving techniques and drawing inspiration from other art forms, he boldly innovated to create this distinctive style. Most of his works are themed around stories from the classic novel "Water Margin" and local folk customs. These handcrafted pieces feature simple yet rounded knife work, with fine, smooth lines that vividly capture the characters’ expressions and spirit...
Old coarse cloth (also known as homespun cloth or handwoven cloth) originates from Shandong and has a long history in the region. The Canal Brand old coarse cloth series mainly includes European-style bedding sets, shirts, pajamas, traditional Chinese-style tops, and colored cotton three-piece sets.
Yanggu Luxi Blackhead Sheep is a specialty of Yanggu County, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province. The Luxi Blackhead Sheep, particularly the prolific strain, shares a largely consistent appearance. They have black fleece on the head and neck, and white fleece on the body. They are large in build, with a well-proportioned structure, straight back and loin, a full hindquarter, and a distinct meat-type conformation. At 6 months of age, male lambs weigh 50.77±8.60 kg, while female...
One day in 1935, Mr. Lao She was out for a drink at a restaurant in Qingdao with Professor Xiao Difei. The professor brought along a piece of Liaocheng smoked chicken as an appetizer. After tasting it, Lao She praised, “It has a unique flavor—I’ve never had anything quite like it.” When he learned that this Liaocheng specialty had not yet been named, Lao She remarked, “The skin of this chicken is black with a purplish tint, …
The craft of making writing brushes in Liaocheng has a long history. By the mid-Ming Dynasty, there were over 1,000 brush-making artisans in the region. Fu Yijin, the first top imperial scholar of the Qing Dynasty, chose premium Liaocheng brushes when he went to the capital for the metropolitan examination. Emperor Kangxi used Liaocheng brushes to compose essays and poems, and even inscribed the plaque “Divine Light Shines Brightly” for the Guangyue Tower, which shows that Liaocheng brushes enjoyed great renown at the time...