Linxi Hollow Hand-Pulled Noodles

Linxi Hollow Hand-Pulled Noodles

　　Originating in Jianzhong Town, Linxi County, Hebei Province during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, these hollow hand-pulled noodles are hollow as bamboo, fine as hair, and long as silk, with diameters no more than 1 millimeter and the thinnest reaching just 0.1 millimeters. Rich in calcium, iron, vitamins, protein, and other nutrients essential for the human body, they have become a sought-after delicacy both in ancient imperial courts and among modern consumers, while also emerging as a signature industry that helps local farmers achieve prosperity.

　　According to Wang Jingda, owner of Jingwei Hollow Hand-Pulled Noodles, a local business long engaged in making these noodles: “Jianzhong handmade hollow noodles are made from premium wheat varieties such as 'Dabaimang' (2271,5.00,0.22%), along with natural ingredients like refined salt, eggs, and vegetable juice. The noodles undergo 29 purely manual steps including rolling, cutting, and stretching, and are a renowned traditional specialty food in the surrounding counties and cities.”

　　In recent years, to ensure the continued development of Jianzhong hollow hand-pulled noodles, the county has applied for their recognition as national, provincial, and municipal intangible cultural heritage, and registered their trademarks. It has also encouraged local farmers to develop a distinctive economy based on this traditional craft. Today, the county is home to over 100 noodle processing workshops and enterprises, including the Linxi Jingwei Handmade Hollow Tribute Noodle Factory, which has invested over 5 million yuan. These businesses directly employ more than 2,000 people from over 10 local villages, and the products are sold in more than 20 major and medium-sized cities including Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, and Jinan, increasing per capita income by over 600 yuan. At the same time, the county has vigorously developed related supporting industries, and with strong support from governments at all levels, has built large-scale production facilities.