Guanmiaoshan Tribute Rice

Guanmiaoshan Tribute Rice

Guanmiaoshan Tribute Rice is a protected geographical indication product.

　　Guanmiaoshan Tribute Rice

　　Legend has it that during the Three Kingdoms period, Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei—sworn brothers—were defeated by Cao Cao in the Xiangyang and Xinye area. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei rescued Liu Bei’s two consorts, Lady Gan and Lady Mi, and sheltered them at Wan’an Temple (now Wen’an Town, Zhijiang City) to hide from danger. Their daily life was arranged by Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, who purchased rice and other necessities from the local Guanmiaoshan area for the two consorts. Lady Gan and Lady Mi found the rice to be glossy and fragrant, soft and delicious, with a long-lasting aftertaste, and repeatedly exclaimed, “What fine rice!” They asked, “Where is this rice from?” Guan Yu replied, “Your Highnesses, this rice is locally grown. The Guanmiaoshan area has a long history, beautiful environment, fertile land, suitable climate, and excellent water quality. It is cultivated from ancient grain varieties passed down from primitive tribes, which is why it tastes so good!”

　　While Lady Gan and Lady Mi resided peacefully at Wan’an Temple, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stayed in the military camp, visiting their sisters-in-law every half month to check on them and arrange meals. Month after month, Lady Gan and Lady Mi became rosy-cheeked, spirited, and even more radiant. When Liu Bei saw this, he was overjoyed. Embracing his beloved wives, he said cheerfully, “In such troubled times, how have my dear wives remained so delicate and beautiful?” Lady Gan and Lady Mi replied in unison, “With Your Majesty bravely fighting the enemy, our loyal brothers attending to our every need, the nourishing Guanmiaoshan rice, and the support of Wan’an Temple, how could we not live in ease and beauty!” Liu Bei was ecstatic and vowed, “One day, when I become emperor, I will surely make this rice a tribute to the imperial court.”

　　Years later, the Eastern Han Dynasty fell, and the Three Kingdoms stood divided. Liu Bei’s wish came true. Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan shared power equally, and Liu Bei became the emperor of Shu. He ordered his chancellor, Zhuge Liang, to collect imperial grain from the Guanmiaoshan area in Hubei as tribute rice for the court.

　　The production area of Guanmiaoshan Tribute Rice covers the current administrative region of Wen’an Town, Zhijiang City, Hubei Province.