Helong Tribute Rice

Helong Tribute Rice

Helong Tribute Rice is a protected geographical indication product.

Helong Tribute Rice is a certified geographical indication trademark.

　　Geographical Scope

　　　 Helong Tribute Rice refers to rice produced in Helong Township and surrounding areas of Ninghua County, Fujian Province. It is named after its place of origin, Helong Township.

　　Distinctive Qualities

　　　　 Renowned across the land for its slender, elongated grains shaped like shuttles, snow-white color, translucent glossiness, soft yet non-sticky texture when cooked, no retrogradation when cooled, fragrant aroma, and rich nutritional value, it is hailed as a “treasure among rices.”

　　Cultural Anecdote

　　　　　　According to the Ninghua County Annals published during the Qing Dynasty’s Kangxi era: Yi Pen, a native of Ninghua, was a man of bold integrity and heroic spirit. In 1004, when Transport Commissioner Li Zhu was tasked with delivering silver and silk to Meizhou and died en route in Wukuqiao Xiyuan Post (now Helong Township), the local magistrate arranged for his burial. Yi Pen voluntarily went to the county office and said: “Delivering tribute goods is a crucial imperial duty. Since the envoy died in our land, I, though merely a village headman—a commoner—wish to take over the mission in his stead.” The county agreed. Upon reaching Bianjing (Kaifeng), coinciding with the birth of the crown prince, the emperor was greatly pleased and bestowed upon him an imperial decree, a fine steed, and a sword, commissioning him to govern Liuzhou. At that time, southern tribes were in rebellion. Yi Pen led his troops bravely to the front, fought fiercely, and achieved victory, causing the enemy forces to surrender en masse. After the mission’s success, he passed away while in office. For his meritorious service, he was posthumously granted the title of Silver-Green Guanglu Grand Master, and his spirit has been worshipped in a temple ever since. While substituting for the envoy, Yi Pen brought along rice from his hometown, consuming it along the way. Upon arrival in the capital, he presented the rice he had brought as an offering to the imperial kitchen. The emperor was highly impressed by its superior quality and delicious taste, and ordered it to be submitted as an annual tribute. Thus, “Helong Tribute Rice” gained its fame. At the entrance of Xiayi Village in Helong Township stands an ancient temple called “Yi Gong Temple,” dedicated to Yi Pen and his wife, which remains a site of active worship.