Huangzhong County has a long history of cultivating broad beans. Thanks to its clean air, pure water, and favorable natural conditions, the broad beans grown here are large in size, glossy, free from insect damage, high in protein content, and unpolluted. They exhibit better commercial qualities compared to similar products from other provinces, making them one of Qinghai Province's advantageous crops and a major export agricultural product. The county's annual sown area of broad beans is 1...
Clear Soup Tripe is a specialty dish of Xining. It is a Qinghai-style Halal dish made with fresh tripe. The cleaned pieces of tripe are boiled in water with added scallions, garlic, ginger, and more; once tender, they are removed, cut into strips or small pieces, and then placed in a rich broth. More scallions, minced garlic and ginger, salt, pepper, monosodium glutamate, and other seasonings are added to the boiling broth to infuse the flavor. The foam is skimmed off, …
When you come to Qinghai and step into a local farmhouse, you’ll see rows of small wooden houses, one after another. As you approach a home, what Qinghai people take the most pride in is the main gate—some are made of bricks adorned with variously shaped floral patterns, while others feature carved woodwork. Various flower shapes are carved into the wooden boards, and the wood used is not ordinary—it’s hard wood such as...
In a farmer’s home in Dacai Township is preserved a pen holder—one of the traditional Four Treasures of the Study—with a history of over a hundred years. Carved from jade, it appears exquisitely translucent from afar, resembling clusters of grapes. Upon closer inspection, it is a hollow double-layered cylinder, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, standing about 15 centimeters tall with an upper opening diameter of 8 centimeters and a lower diameter of 6 centimeters. The material is crystal clear...
Huangzhong is a place where Han, Tibetan, and Hui ethnic groups live together, so Tibetan carpets are beloved by all. The Jia Ya Tibetan carpet from Huangzhong has been famous throughout the Hehuang region for one or two hundred years. Jia Ya carpets are truly treasures to cherish. These carpets can be large enough to cover several living rooms or as small as a single cushion. The most common ones are rectangular, just the right size for a single bed. Made entirely of pure wool, they feel soft to the touch and are durable enough to last for generations. The carpets feature simple yet vibrant designs—mountains, trees, clouds, and seas—that showcase the remarkable craftsmanship of the weavers.
In a branch range of the Kunlun Mountains, in the Danma area of Huangzhong County, Qinghai Province, colored stones suitable for carving handicrafts have been discovered in recent years. This material is locally referred to as "Danma Colored Jade" and, because its origin is in the Kunlun Mountains, it is also called "Kunlun Colored Stone." The scientific name for Qinghai’s Kunlun Colored Stone is "pyrophyllite." It has a smooth, fatty texture, is soft yet…
One of the “Three Wonders of Art” at Ta’er Monastery in Huangzhong County. These are oil-sculpted artworks made from pure, fine-textured butter mixed with various mineral pigments. The butter sculptures of Ta’er Monastery represent the pinnacle of sculptural art, not only exhibiting a high level of artistic skill and a unique style but also grand in scale and rich in content. They include exotic flowers and plants…
Cordyceps wine is a health tonic made primarily from Cordyceps sinensis, blended with valuable medicinal herbs such as ginseng, wolfberry, astragalus, and fleeceflower root, and soaked in high-quality Daqu liquor. The most famous brand is the Kunlun-brand cordyceps wine produced by Xining Liquor Factory in Qinghai Province. It features a clear, transparent color, a smooth and mild taste, and offers nourishing benefits. It helps to dispel cold and wind, nourish yin...
Tibetan hemp is an excellent sweet food additive. It contains 63% sugar, 15% protein, 1.1% fat, as well as abundant vitamins and inorganic salts such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Therefore, it can be used to make refined products and brew liquor. Its roots are commonly used to make porridge—sweet, thirst-quenching, delicious, and highly nutritious. Qinghai has abundant Tibetan hemp resou…
Tsampa with butter tea is one of the traditional staple foods of Tibetan herders. "Tsampa" is the Tibetan transliteration for roasted barley flour. It is an everyday essential food for the Tibetan people. When visiting a Tibetan family, the host will surely serve you with both hands fragrant butter tea and roasted barley flour. Golden butter and creamy-yellow "churu" (casein curd), along with sugar, are layered abundantly on the table...
Noodles are one of the most beloved and widely consumed types of wheat-based food among people in Northwest China. The preparation is simple and doesn’t require special tools. Typically, the dough is first kneaded and then either cut into short strips or rolled into a round shape before being cut into strips when it’s time to cook. Once the vegetables and meat are boiled in the pot, the cook uses both hands to flatten and stretch the short strips of dough, holding them in one hand…
One of Qinghai's renowned local specialties, with a history of at least 200 years. Huangyuan Aged Vinegar, also known as black vinegar, has a pure acidity, fragrant and sweet aroma, thick texture, and excellent color and fragrance. Eating it in moderation can enhance appetite, aid digestion, strengthen the spleen and stomach, prevent colds, and cleanse the body while detoxifying. The geographical indication protection area for Huangyuan Aged Vinegar covers the current administrative region of Huangyuan County, Qinghai Province...
Huangzhong Flax was registered and protected upon application by the Qinghai Plateau Mingluiu Cultural Development Promotion Association. After review by the Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and expert evaluation, it met the registration and protection criteria stipulated in the "Administrative Measures for Geographical Indications of Agricultural Products," and was approved for registration and legal protection. The geographical protection area covers the townships under the jurisdiction of Huangzhong County...
Huangzhong Embroidered Pile Art has a history of over 600 years. It is an art form that shapes images using techniques such as “cutting” and “piling,” and is mostly used in the creation of thangkas. Its content primarily features themes of Tibetan Buddhism and is considered a treasure of Tibetan Buddhist art. It is hailed as one of the three masterpieces of art at Ta'er Monastery and is renowned far and wide. In 2008, Huangzhong Embroidered Pile Art was inscribed on...
The village of Weijiazhuang in Duoba Town, Huangzhong County, Qinghai Province, features flat terrain with an average elevation of 2,260 meters. The area boasts fertile soil, abundant groundwater resources, and convenient irrigation. Located just 17 kilometers east of Xining City and close to the city’s largest wholesale market on Haihu Road, the village enjoys favorable conditions for developing pollution-free vegetable production. In recent years…
Huangyuan lanterns are a traditional art form originating from Chengguan Town, Huangyuan County, Qinghai Province. Their history can be traced back to the Jiaqing and Daoguang eras of the Qing Dynasty. At that time, merchants from inland areas gathered in Huangyuan, prompting local shops to create name signs to attract customers. These signs were fitted with candles that illuminated brilliantly at night. Over time, the name signs became increasingly...
Geographical Scope: Shenzhong Township, Dahua Town, Heping Township, Bayan Township, Dongxia Township, Chengguan Town, and Bohang Township in Huangyuan County, Xining City. Unique Qualities: Maya Fava Beans are a distinctive agricultural product of Huangyuan. Due to the region’s unique geographical and climatic conditions, as well as complex terrain, Maya Fava Bean plants grow tall with plump seeds and high levels of bioactive compounds. They are…
Spiced beef jerky is a new product that emerged after the liberation of Qinghai. It is sold in both domestic and international markets and has received high praise from consumers. The beef jerky is not only a premium choice for entertaining honored guests but also makes a great gift for family and friends. It is easy to carry and can be stored for a long time, making it suitable for home banquets or for eating during travels.
Qinghai Province is famous for its huang fish (a type of naked carp), renowned far and wide for its plump body, tender meat, and delicious flavor. To make dried flatfish, the fish is gutted, cleaned of impurities, and then arranged by size on scorching hot stone slabs or sandy beaches to dry in the sun. Once dried, the fish becomes what is known as dried flatfish. After being soaked in water to soften, its flesh becomes tender yet resilient, making it suitable for preparing uniquely flavored dishes. There’s a local saying in Qinghai: “The pears of Guide, the melons of Xiangtang, and the dried flatfish of Huangyuan are praised across the land.” And this saying is absolutely true.
Embroidered appliqué is a unique form of cultural art. Broadly speaking, it is a type of thangka. It is one of the “Three Treasures” of art at Ta’er Monastery. When making embroidered appliqué, artisans select silk fabrics in various colors based on the content they wish to depict, cutting them into specific shapes such as figures, animals, flowers, and birds. These are then layered...