Huitang Soup Duck

Huitang Soup Duck

　　 Huitang Soup Duck is produced in Huitang Town, Ningxiang County. Huitang is home to China’s renowned high-temperature composite hot springs, which contain 29 trace elements essential for animals and humans, such as iron, copper, zinc, molybdenum, and fluorine, earning it the nickname “natural medicinal spring.” The Huitang Soup Ducks raised near these thermal springs are famed for their significantly higher mineral content compared to ordinary ducks. The ducks also differ in appearance from common ones—they have unusually large webbed feet, deep yellow beaks, plump bodies with smooth feathers, and dark brown plumage. Their meat is rich, tender, and juicy, with succulent bones and marrow. When stewed, the dish requires no added salt yet the broth remains slightly salty and exceptionally sweet and savory. It is said to have health benefits such as enriching blood, promoting saliva production, strengthening kidneys and liver, nourishing yin, and moisturizing lungs.

　　 During the Qing Dynasty’s Kangxi era, Huitang Soup Duck was designated as an imperial tribute and sent to the royal court, hence it is also known as “Tribute Duck.” The Republican-era *Ningxiang County Annals* recorded: “Among animals, there is the Huitang duck, which swims near the thermal springs, with plump, delicious meat and marrow-filled bones… It is considered a delicacy in official kitchens.” Legend has it that Emperor Qianlong once visited Tanzhou (Changsha) incognito and encountered local Huitang residents selling ducks and complaining that certain corrupt local officials, taking advantage of their visits to Huitang for leisure and bathing, engaged in drinking games, riddles, and feasting on the ducks without paying a penny before leaving. The locals had no way to appeal and dared not speak out in anger. Qianlong then severely punished the corrupt officials and allowed the residents to use this tribute product to reduce their local tax burdens.