Yellow Flag Millet

Yellow Flag Millet

Yellow Flag Millet is a geographically indicated protected product.

Yellow Flag Millet is a geographically indicated certification trademark.

　　“Yellow Flag Millet,” also known as “Emperor Kangxi’s Tribute Rice,” is produced in Leyuan Township and Liangui Township of Huangqi Town, Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, Hebei Province. Located at 42 degrees north latitude, 230 kilometers directly north of Beijing and at the source of the Chaobai River, the area boasts fertile soil, a cool climate, and moderate rainfall—ideal conditions for cereal crops. The whole production process is organically farmed, with no chemical pesticides or fertilizers used (as farmers wouldn’t even recover their costs if they did). Huangqi Town has a mid-temperate continental monsoon climate with long winters and short summers, significant temperature variations, the hottest month being July and the coldest January, and a frost-free period of 110–140 days annually, which helps preserve the energy content of millet. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, long growth cycles, and only one harvest per year, with up to 2,700 hours of sunlight exposure. Large diurnal temperature differences aid in the accumulation and preservation of dry matter in millet, resulting in nutrient-rich, plump grains. The average soil depth of two meters provides ample nutrients and unique natural conditions essential for millet growth.

　　The Origin of Emperor Kangxi’s Tribute Rice

　　In the Qing Dynasty, Shanghuangqi (now Huangqi Town, Fengning Manchu Autonomous County) is located 200 kilometers directly north of Beijing and 30 kilometers north of Fengning City. It was one of the four major market towns under the Qing Dynasty’s Four Banners Office, situated in a deep mountainous area at the source of the Chaobai River, with fertile soil, a cool climate, and moderate rainfall—perfect for growing cereal crops. In the second year of the Shunzhi reign (1646 AD), six surnames of ten households from the Manchu Plain Yellow Banner were sent to reclaim land here, eventually cultivating over 400 hectares. On August 31, 1683 (lunar calendar: July Yimao), during the 22nd year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign, the emperor, along with his grandmother Lady Gioro, nobles, ministers, and a military escort, traveled from the Gabai Valley entrance along the Shangdu River for an inspection tour and hunting trip. Passing through Huangqi for a rest stop, Kangxi tried millet rice at a local farmhouse and found its flavor fragrant like tea and texture as rich as meat. After returning to the capital, he designated Yellow Flag Millet as an imperial tribute. By the 24th year of Kangxi’s reign (1685 AD), it came under the administration of the Imperial Household Department’s imperial estates. The imperial court consumed 7,070 dan (a unit of weight) of millet per year, most of which was the tribute from the Shanghuangqi imperial estate. Henceforth, it became known as “Emperor Kangxi’s Tribute Rice.”

　　The production area of Yellow Flag Millet covers 20 townships within the administrative region of Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, Hebei Province, including Huangqi Town, Dagui Town, Tucheng Town, Fengshan Town, Heishanzui Town, Boluonuo Town, Tianqiao Town, Wangying Township, Xuanjiangying Township, Nan’guan Mongolian Ethnic Township, Beitouying Township, Wudao’ying Township, Xiaobazi Township, Kulongshan Township, Yangmuzhazi Township, Xiguan’ying Township, Sujiadian Township, Tanghe Township, Mahuying Township, and Shiren’gou Township.

　　Yellow Flag Millet Planting and Production Technical Regulations HQXM01-2015

　　“Yellow Flag Millet Planting and Production Technical Regulations”