Tong River Tong Eggs

Tong River Tong Eggs

Tong River Tong Eggs are a protected geographical indication product.

　　Tong Eggs are a renowned specialty of Tonghe Township in Tanghe County, which were already tribute items to the imperial court during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

　　The Tong River is a major tributary of the Tanghe River, which flows into the Han River and eventually connects to the Yangtze River. It has a vast drainage basin, with its plains formed by alluvial deposits along both banks. The area enjoys a mild climate, abundant rainfall, crisscrossing streams, and lush water plants. Historically, due to the prosperity of inland water transport along its smaller streams, the Tonghe market town developed along the river, and the area along the river is now under the jurisdiction of Tonghe Township.

　　The section of the river that flows through Tonghe Township features clear water, fertile silt, and no stones. There are many river bends, deep pools, reeds, fish, shrimp, freshwater snails, and springs, providing ducks here with extremely rich and unique natural feed. Xiangzi Bay, located to the north of Tonghe Town and at the center of the river channel, is known locally as the "river’s gallbladder." The duck eggs produced here are considered the most authentic Tong Eggs. They are notably large and heavy—typically six eggs make up one jin (500g). When peeled, the yolk is immediately visible, with a sandy, grainy texture and a deep red color. When cooked in soup, a layer of oil quickly rises to the surface, indicating superior quality. Laboratory analysis has shown that Tong Eggs contain 5–8 times more of 12 essential amino acids required by the human body—such as methionine and lysine—compared to regular duck eggs. They also have significant auxiliary therapeutic effects on various ailments including high blood pressure, diarrhea, and numbness in the limbs.

　　In recent years, Tong Eggs have evolved from scattered household production to large-scale collective development. In 1995, the township officially registered the “Tong” trademark with the National Trademark Office. Today, in this small township with a population of just over 30,000, more than 8,000 people are engaged in the processing, transportation, and distribution of Tong Eggs.