Mao Tou Bamboo Shoots

Last updated 2026-11-10 — The mountains surrounding Nanbei Lake all produce mountain bamboo shoots, which are characterized by their brown color, thin shells, white flesh, purple warts, thick stems, and sweet taste. Especially notable are the spring bamboo shoots from Shaowan, which are thick and sturdy in shape, resembling a cat’s head—hence the name "Mao Tou Bamboo Shoots." Fresh bamboo shoots can be enjoyed all year round: spring brings spring shoots, winter offers winter shoots, and summer and autumn provide shoot sprouts. People in Jiaxing, Shanghai, and other areas know that the bamboo shoots of Nanbei Lake are delicious, and every year many come specially to purchase and sell them.