Bighead carp

Bighead carp

　　    Zengdu District has over 500 reservoirs of various types, with a total water storage capacity of 2 billion cubic meters. In addition to ensuring irrigation water for farmland, these reservoirs are especially suitable for fish farming. As most reservoirs are located in deep mountain valleys, upstream areas of rivers, and remote, traffic-inaccessible regions, their water remains clean, clear, and unpolluted, offering an ideal environment for growing bighead carp. The district produces over 20,000 tons of bighead carp annually. Known locally as “fathead fish,” this variety is unique to Zengdu. It features a large head and small body, with few bones, tender meat, and rich nutrition. A local saying goes: “One fish head is worth four ounces of ginseng.” Bighead carp is rich yet not greasy, flavorful yet not fishy, and is believed to nourish the brain, improve eyesight, support the stomach, and strengthen the spleen. Especially in autumn and winter, the fish head serves as premium material for hot pot and spicy chopped pepper fish head dishes — a true specialty of Zengdu that is deeply loved by consumers.