Weiyuan Xindian Qixingjiao

Weiyuan Xindian Qixingjiao

　　Weiyuan Xindian Qixingjiao is a famous specialty from Xindian Town, Weiyuan County, Neijiang City, Sichuan Province. It is one of the hottest chili peppers in China, with a spiciness level that can reach seven stars — hence the name. This historic specialty is known for its thin skin, thick flesh, bright color, delicious taste, and rich, robust heat.

　　Xindian Qixingjiao is a specialty of Weiyuan County, Sichuan Province. The "Qixingjiao" from Xindian has long been famed for its intense heat and sweet aftertaste. This chili is so potent that it can bring tears to the eyes of an average person even when viewed from one meter away. After investigation, the China Guinness Headquarters recognized Xindian Qixingjiao as the hottest premium chili in China.

　　Weiyuan Qixingjiao is known for its unique characteristics: thin skin, thick flesh, pure and aromatic spiciness, pleasant texture, and rich nutrition. It is packed with large amounts of vitamin C, various amino acids, carotene, capsanthin, as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Known as the No. 1 aromatic spicy chili in China, it is a high-quality agricultural product that has been exported to countries such as South Korea, the Philippines, the Netherlands, and Singapore. It enjoys a certain level of recognition both nationally and internationally. In 2007, Weiyuan Xindian Qixingjiao obtained the “Geographical Indication Product Protection” certification from the National Quality Supervision Bureau.

　　The cultivation history of Xindian Qixingjiao spans around 300 years. By the early 21st century, the perennial planting area exceeded 5,000 acres, extending to more than 10 towns across two neighboring counties. The yield is about 500–900 kilograms of fresh chili per acre, totaling approximately 2,500–4,500 tons. It is among the first pollution-free agricultural product bases in Sichuan Province and has been named the “Hometown of Qixingjiao” by the Provincial Specialty Association. In August 2001, it became the “exclusive chili designated for the China TV Guinness Chili-Eating Competition.”

　　Xindian Town plans to build upon its existing 20,000-plus acres of Qixingjiao cultivation by establishing a 100-acre improved seed breeding base, a 500-acre seedling nursery, a 1,000-acre demonstration site for new varieties and technologies, and a 10,000-acre green chili food demonstration area. The goal is to develop the Qixingjiao industry into a pillar of the county’s characteristic agriculture. By 2012, the aim is to support a cultivation area of 100,000 acres, producing 90,000 tons of fresh chili, 3,000 tons of dried chili, and 100 tons of chili products. The total output value of the chili industry is expected to reach 600 million yuan, generating 60 million yuan in profits and taxes, increasing the average income of 80,000 chili farming households by 675 yuan each, and establishing the region as the “Hometown of Qixingjiao in China.”