Bayberry Soup of Libo

Last updated 2026-11-13 — Bayberry Soup of Libo is a must-try for anyone visiting Libo in the summer. It’s refreshing on the palate, with a pure tartness that’s slightly sweet, and its rich, crimson broth helps stimulate the appetite and quench thirst. Typically priced at around 6 yuan per bowl, it’s widely available along Zhangjiang Night Food Street, with the most famous shops being “Karst Bayberry Soup” and “Refreshing Bayberry Soup.” The soup is made by first selecting fresh bayberries, removing any impurities, and gently rinsing them (being careful not to bruise the fruit and lose juice). The berries are then placed in a clean pot with sugar to marinate until juice is drawn out. Next, they’re simmered over low heat while being stirred occasionally (the cooking time should not be too long, or the color will darken). After simmering for 3–5 minutes, the mixture is removed from heat and poured into sterilized glass bottles. Once sealed and cooled, it’s chilled in the refrigerator. To serve, take out 5–6 bayberries and place them in a glass, add some of the bayberry juice, and top with an appropriate amount of ice cubes or ice water (the water should be 3–4 times the volume of the bayberry juice; for example, for 500 grams of bayberries yielding juice, add 1500–2000 grams of ice water).