Jinzhuangyan Tribute Rice

Jinzhuangyan Tribute Rice

Jinzhuangyan Tribute Rice is a product certified with a Geographical Indication for Agricultural Products.

　　Jinzhuangyan Tribute Rice

　　During the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, after Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di ascended to the throne, he exclusively revered Taoism and extensively constructed Wudang Taoist temples. In the 10th year of Yongle (1412), an imperial edict was issued for large-scale construction at Wudang. By the 17th year of Yongle (1419), Marquis Longping Zhang Xin and Imperial Son-in-law Mu Xin were ordered to lead 300,000 laborers in a major renovation of Mount Wudang. As the gateway to Mount Wudang—Junzhou (now Danjiangkou City)—naturally became the seat of a primary local government and a hub for both land and water passenger and cargo transportation. Of particular importance, Junzhou also established the “Office of the Imperial Commissioner (Eunuch Superintendent’s Office),” responsible for managing the repair of the emperor’s ancestral temple, preparing for imperial sacrificial ceremonies, and procuring tribute goods. In the 12th year of the Ming Chenghua era, Junzhou began overseeing military and civil affairs across eight prefectures in three provinces of Huguang. During this period, local officials in Junzhou often presented local specialties to the “Office of the Imperial Commissioner” for consumption, among which Jinzhuangyan rice stood out—crystal clear, soft, fragrant, and delicious—which greatly pleased the officials of the commissioner’s office. As a result, Jinzhuangyan rice became a premium staple used to entertain distinguished guests at the office. Over time, the reputation of Jinzhuangyan rice grew ever larger. Marquis Longping Zhang Xin and Imperial Son-in-law Mu Xin then presented the rice to Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di for tasting. The emperor praised it highly and bestowed upon Zhang Xin and Mu Xin the honor of offering it to the court, instructing that it be served to high-ranking officials and nobles, and granting it the status of an imperial tribute rice. Thus, during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, the fame of Jinzhuangyan rice spread far and wide, being offered as an annual tribute without fail.

　　The Junzhou Annals record: “The land of Jun is close to the Central Plains, and its produce is largely the same as that of other districts. Though rich and abundant, it cannot all be fully described. Methods such as slash-and-burn and paddy cultivation are similar to those for sticky rice, but Jinzhuang rice is uniquely fragrant and refreshing.”

　　According to the newly compiled Annals of Mount Wudang: “Among the local specialty products offered to the imperial court during the spring and autumn tributes of the Ming Dynasty, those for the Lunar New Year included salted dried bamboo shoots, belt bamboo shoots, Qianlin tea, Nine Immortals mushrooms, and mountain-separated herbs; those for autumn included honey-steamed polygonatum, Jinzhuangyan rice, and honey-glazed langmei fruit.”

　　The Annals of Mount Wudang also note: During the Qing Dynasty, most of the tribute items from Xiangyang Prefecture (to which Junzhou belonged) came from Mount Wudang, including Qianlin leaves—that is, Qianlin tea—and Jinzhuangyan rice. The Qing Dynasty’s Comprehensive Examination of Literature, compiled under the imperial order of Zhang Tingyu and others, later revised by Ji Huang, Liu Yong, and others, and proofread by Ji Yun, was completed in the 52nd year of the Qianlong era (1787).

　　Grain

　　Hubei

　　Xijia Store Town Agricultural Technology Extension Service Center, Danjiangkou City

　　The area under the jurisdiction of Xijia Store Town, Danjiangkou City, includes 18 villages such as Fuling Village, Xiaofuling Village, Zuojiao Village, Zhujia Yuan Village, and Lijia Wan Village. The geographical coordinates are between 110°08′ to 111°34′ east longitude and 32°14′ to 32°58′ north latitude.