Fu Tang Thirteen Flowers

Fu Tang Thirteen Flowers

　　The Fu Tang Thirteen Flowers, also known as the Fu Tang Banquet, consists of the favorite dishes of Wei Futang, a prominent figure during the heyday of Qingmuchuan.

　　Wei Futang neither indulged in smoking or drinking nor had any special interest in tea, but he was quite particular about food—paying close attention to its nutritional value and flavor. He even took care in the presentation of the dishes and the sequence in which they were served. As the King of Qin favored swordsmen, and the nation’s scholars bore many scars. Over time, this evolved into a unique banquet style.

　　The “Thirteen Flowers” refers to the thirteen dishes served to guests in Qingmuchuan. Though it may not rival Western cuisine, it boasts rich local characteristics. The first dish of the Thirteen Flowers is a plate of bright red poured chili oil. Serving plain chili oil is almost unheard of elsewhere. This dish is not meant to be eaten; it carries deep symbolism. First, when chili oil is served, it signals the start of the banquet. Second, the word for chili (辣子, làzi) sounds like “hold back” or “keep” (拉住, lāzhù), symbolizing the host's warm hospitality and eagerness for guests to eat and drink more. The remaining twelve dishes vary in ingredients and preparation methods, each with its own unique features.

　　The food culture of Qingmuchuan has distinct local characteristics while also blending flavors from both northern and southern China. The lavish “Thirteen Flowers,” along with authentic “cool noodles,” “rice tofu,” and “wild fish,” leave visitors from other regions with unforgettable memories. Dishes such as the “Fu Tang Banquet” and “Returning Dragon Fish” have become well-known culinary trademarks far and wide.

　　Wei Futang (1902–1952) Wei Futang (1902–1952), originally named Wei Yuangui, was from Weijiaba in Qingmuchuan. His father made a living by farming and selling oil. Wei was obese, had prominent front teeth, and piercing eyes. As a child, he was unruly and fierce, with a penchant for fighting. After a few years of private schooling, he joined the local militia, holding positions such as militia commander, district captain, self-defense team leader, commander of the Ningqiang County Independent Self-Defense Brigade, commander-in-chief of the Ningxi People’s Self-Defense Force, and deputy director of the Sichuan-Shaanxi-Gansu Nine-County Joint Defense Office. He was also a member of the Kuomintang and a leader of the Red Gang. He ruled Qingmuchuan for over 20 years, governing autocratically and single-handedly, earning the nickname “local emperor” and becoming the most powerful figure in the county.

Qingmuchuan is located at the western end of the county, bordering Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu... More details