Qigui (Qizhou Tortoise)

Qigui (Qizhou Tortoise)

　　Tortoises produced in Qizhou are quite unique, hence they are also called “Qigui.” The shape of Qigui is similar to that of ordinary tortoises, except that their carapaces are covered with slender and dense green fuzz. Hence they are also known as “green-fuzz tortoises.” Some say the green fuzz is an algal epiphyte, but when burned, the fuzz curls up, makes a hissing sound, and emits the smell of burnt hair. This shows that it is indeed green fuzz rather than algae. The "Comprehensive Gazetteer" records: “Green-fuzz tortoises come from Qizhou. Placed against a wall, they can survive for years without dying and can ward off dust.” The "Compendium of Materia Medica" also states: “Green-fuzz tortoises are now supplied only by Qizhou as a local specialty. Breeders and sellers collect them from streams, keep them in water tanks, and feed them fish and shrimp.” “Over time, fuzz grows, reaching four or five inches in length. The fuzz contains golden threads, the spine has three ridges, and the bottom shell is ivory-colored. Those about the size of a five-zhu coin are genuine. Other tortoises may also grow fuzz when raised, but they are larger, lack golden threads, and have yellowish-black undersides, which distinguishes them.” Since the Tang and Song dynasties, Qigui has enjoyed great fame, often kept in courtyards for ornamental purposes. If placed in clear water (with the water changed once a day), the green fuzz gently sways, floating all over the bowl, with golden threads shimmering brilliantly—like a clump of moss floating in water or a piece of jadeite inlaid in white jade. When taken out of the water, the green fuzz clings tightly to the tortoise’s back, and the golden threads remain neatly in place, making it quite extraordinary. Foreign merchants regard it as a rare treasure and compete to buy it at high prices. As a result, some people “catch ordinary tortoises, clean them, and place them in a tank. Over time, fuzz may also grow on them, or they glue algae or green moss onto the tortoise’s back to pass them off as ‘Qigui’ and demand high prices.”

　　Qigui enjoys eating fish, shrimp, and beef. In the early Qing Dynasty, Gu Jingxing wrote in "Huang Gong Shuo Zi": “It eats four qian of bloodless beef per day. It emerges from hibernation when thunder begins each year and goes into hibernation when the thunder fades. When going into hibernation, wrap its body in cotton and place it in a tube to prevent death.” Qigui is not only a beautiful ornamental animal but also a highly nutritious tonic medicine. Folklore says that eating Qigui can prolong life. Li Shizhen said this tortoise “is often used in tonics and has the same efficacy as tortoise shell.” The fresh meat of the tortoise is edible, with a sweet and sour taste, mild qi, warm nature, and no toxicity. It is rich in fat, protein, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other nutrients, and has the effect of nourishing yin and enriching blood. It regulates the Conception Vessel, supports yang, supplements yin blood, benefits essence and qi, treats flaccidity, and can also be used for conditions such as yin deficiency, labor heat, bone steaming, chronic cough with hemoptysis, malaria, and bloody dysentery.

　　Qigui is now very rare. The reason is that in previous years, mountain and water conservation projects destroyed the living environment of Qigui. In recent years, it has gained attention from relevant departments, and protected areas have been designated. (Huanggang)