Chibi Fish

Chibi Fish

　　[Fish] Chibi is a land of fish and rice, blessed with an abundance of aquatic products since ancient times. Among them, the Guandao Fish and Chun Fish are considered the finest delicacies. These two types of fish are not only delicious but also carry fascinating cultural significance. The Guandao Fish is said to be the incarnation of the Green Dragon Crescent Blade wielded by Guan Yu, one of the Five Tiger Generals of the Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. During the Battle of Chibi, Guan Yu’s troops were stationed at Shu Lake. One day, as he rode on horseback with his sword, patrolling the banks of the Lushui River, he was suddenly ambushed by nine Wei generals including Xu Huang, who surrounded and engaged him in fierce combat. At the critical moment, eight divine generals identical to Guan Yu emerged from the water and defeated the Wei forces. Puzzled by the eight men who looked exactly like him, Guan Yu asked how this could be. The eight warriors replied: “We are the embodiments of your loyalty and righteousness.” They then vanished in an instant, and the eight guandao swords flew into the water and transformed into fish. This fish has a small head, a wide belly, and fine bones, and resembles the shape of a guandao sword—hence its name. The spot where the swords turned into fish is known as “Eight Blades,” the most treacherous section of the Yangtze River, also referred to as “Knife Ring Mouth” in the *Commentary on the Water Classic* (*Shui Jing Zhu*). The Chun Fish comes from Xindian in Chibi. On the third and fourth days of the fifth lunar month each year, countless Chun Fish swim upstream from the Yangtze River to Wangfu Mountain to pay homage to the legendary Seven Sisters of Wangfu. There is a local folk tale about Spring Brother and Spring Sister. This fish is only slightly longer than a grain of rice. Once caught, it can be dried, scrambled with eggs, or made into soup—all of which are exquisitely flavorful. Locals believe the Chun Fish embodies filial piety and righteousness. When eating it, one is reminded of virtues such as loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and justice, which are said to bring happiness and well-being.