Bao De Yellow River Carp

Bao De Yellow River Carp

　　Yellow River Carp: After the Yellow River passes through Hekou Town in Togtoh County, Inner Mongolia, it turns sharply and flows through Pianguan, Hequ, and Bao De in the Xinzhou region. This section of the river varies in width — offering both naturally serene environments and areas where the winding currents from upstream deposit nutrient-rich sediments. The Yellow River carp, particularly those produced in Tianqiao Gorge in Bao De County and Tangjiahui in Hequ County, is most renowned. It features a large mouth, few scales, a red streak along its spine, tender and flavorful meat, and a unique taste. The peak fishing season is around the Qingming Festival, known as “river-opening fish.” Yellow River carp typically weigh about 1.5 kilograms, though some can reach 2–3 kilograms. Legend has it that in ancient times, the annual catch at Tianqiao could exceed 10,000 kilograms. Since the Ming Dynasty, Yellow River carp has been listed as an imperial tribute.