Tongcheng Wheat Fish

Tongcheng Wheat Fish

　　Wheat fish are found in the waters around Tongcheng’s lakes. They are about the size of wheat grains and are caught during the wheat harvest season, hence their name. With extremely limited production and a short fishing season, they are considered a rare delicacy. They can be dried and stored, then cooked with eggs or tofu to create a delicious dish. A famous folk song from Tongcheng goes, “Stewed wheat fish with eggs, aromatic and fragrant.”

　　Phoenix fish are a rare and prized variety among wheat fish. While ordinary wheat fish are grayish-black, phoenix fish have golden phoenix patterns on their backs and are translucent throughout. They are only found in the stream beneath Fenghuang Bridge in Luoling and are surrounded by legendary tales, making them especially treasured.