Dragon King Corn

Dragon King Corn

　　Yingcheng is renowned for its abundant rice production. Archaeological findings at the Neolithic site of Taohu Lake in Silyan River, Tangchi, have uncovered remnants of rice husks, proving that rice cultivation in this area dates back over 5,000 years. More than 700 years ago, Yangling region, known as the “Granary of the Northwest,” also contributed a rare grain treasure — Dragon King Corn.

　　Legend has it that during the Ji Xi era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1237–1240), Yingcheng suffered from severe drought. Crops turned yellow, harvests failed, and the people were in dire straits. Upon learning of this, the Dragon King of the East Sea urgently sent his fourth son to the rescue. Within a day and night, the dragon prince dug out a river, which later became known locally as the “Silyan River.” Local farmers used the water from the Silyan River to irrigate their rice paddies. Not only did they achieve a bountiful harvest, but the resulting grains were plump, high-quality, and rich in nutrition. This not only relieved the local drought but also turned misfortune into fortune, producing this exquisite rice that became highly favored. To thank the Dragon King for digging the river, the local farmers named the rice made from these grains “Dragon King Corn.” This rare treasure attracted merchants from all directions, and buyers and sellers gathered in one place, quickly forming a small rural market, which people then called the “Dragon King Market.” The Dragon King Corn produced in the Dragon King Market area, after centuries of seed selection and cultivation, became known for its superior quality, high yield, and unique excellence, and has been passed down to this day as a premium rice variety of Yingcheng. The city has also applied modern breeding techniques to improve traditional local high-quality rice varieties such as “Yu Nv Nian” and “Dragon King Corn.” In a designated 1,333-hectare area around the Silyan River and Dragon King Market in Yingcheng, these improved varieties are cultivated using modern technology. After processing, they are developed into the “Dragon King Corn” series of premium rice, with an annual output of over 20,000 tons. The grains are crystal-clear, rich and sweet in flavor, and packed with essential amino acids and trace elements needed by the human body. The rice was once exhibited at a high-quality agricultural products show in Beijing and received high praise.