Shenchi Mooncakes

Shenchi Mooncakes

　　As autumn arrives with refreshing breezes and the aroma of mooncakes fills the air, on the morning of August 25, villagers from near and far gathered at the People’s Square in Shenchi County. While savoring the sweet and fragrant mooncakes, they enjoyed local folk performances such as Erren Tai and Shenchi Daoqing, their faces beaming with happiness. From August 25 to September 25, the third Shenchi County Mooncake Culture Festival, lasting one month, was held here.

　　 Shenchi County is a key oil crop production base in Shanxi Province and a famous hometown of mooncakes. The locally distinctive Shenchi Mooncakes have a history of over 500 years. Produced using traditional recipes and modern techniques, Shenchi Mooncakes sell over 7 million kilograms annually, with a production value exceeding 65 million yuan. There are now more than 600 processing households and over 9,000 employees involved, offering over 40 varieties across four major categories: oily skin, egg skin, crispy skin, and Jiang skin. The products are sold in more than 20 provinces and cities across the country.

　　 Shenchi Mooncakes are a specialty of Shenchi County in Xinzhou, Shanxi, renowned throughout the region and the whole province for their fragrance, freshness, crispness, and sweetness. Recognized as a “Famous Shanxi Snack” and “Famous Shanxi Pastry,” Shenchi Mooncakes are beloved by people in Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia for their “crispy crust, fragrant filling, rich taste, soft texture without greasiness, and long shelf life without spoilage.”

　　 There is also a magical story behind Shenchi Mooncakes. Historical records state that in the 36th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign during the Qing Dynasty, on the 24th day of the second lunar month (March 15, 1697), the emperor personally led his troops for the third time to suppress Galdan, who refused imperial authority. Passing through Datong and Shuozhou, he arrived at Yijing Tun in Shenchi County. Both men and horses were exhausted, and there was not enough water for the large number of troops and animals. Just as local officials were worried, the river suddenly swelled with crystal-clear water. After drinking, the troops felt revitalized. That day happened to be market day, with merchants and crowds bustling noisily. Emperor Kangxi, in high spirits, visited the market and was surprised to find that the merchants were using fragrant mooncakes as provisions. He asked those around him why there were mooncakes in February. The local official attending the emperor replied: During the Mid-Autumn season, local residents make mooncakes using wheat flour, authentic Shenchi Hu oil, water, along with sugar, roses, and sesame seeds as ingredients. These are then stored in porcelain jars for seasonal needs and can be preserved for several years without losing flavor.