Yuanxiao from Yuci South Gate Cave

Yuanxiao from Yuci South Gate Cave

　　In the early years of the Republic of China, three hundred li north of Hongtong, there was a barbican at the south gate of Yuci City, commonly referred to as the South Gate Cave. Inside the cave was an old shop called "Changsheng Hao," which made yuanxiao using glutinous rice from the Jinci Temple irrigated by the Nanlao Spring. Once cooked, the yuanxiao puffed up generously, with fillings that stayed firm, offering a richly fragrant and delicious taste—gaining widespread fame. A local saying goes, “The three treasures of Yuci: yuanxiao, sausage pudding, tofu pudding.” So beloved by the public, yuanxiao became a “regular on the banquet table,” whether during festive celebrations or wedding feasts.