Qīnglíng Lotus Roots

Qīnglíng Lotus Roots

　　Located in Qīnglíng Township in the southern suburbs of Wǔchāng, the area is crisscrossed with rivers and canals, dotted with large and small lakes, embodying the essence of the water towns south of the Yangtze River. Along both sides of National Highway 107, lotus ponds stretch one after another — to the left lies the vast and misty Huángjiā Lake, to the right spreads the boundless Qīnglíng Lake, along with lesser-known wild ponds such as Yě Lake and Chái Lake. The shallow waters around these lakes are rich in lotus roots. Every summer, when the lotus flowers are in full bloom, the breathtaking scenery and serene charm leave an unforgettable impression.

　　Qīnglíng Township currently covers an area of 68 square kilometers, with Huángjiā Lake spanning 6,000 mu, Qīnglíng Lake covering 9,000 mu, and Yě Lake at 3,400 mu. The lotus roots produced here were originally wild, but since the 1970s, they have been cultivated artificially, leading to a rapid increase in yield. They have become a favorite everyday delicacy for the people of Wǔhàn and have also entered markets both domestically and internationally. Qīnglíng lotus roots are an excellent ingredient for making soups. The stewed broth they produce is pure in color, sweet in taste, soft and smooth on the palate, hence earning a reputation comparable to Yuè Lake lotus roots.