Shanyang Nine-Eye Lotus

Shanyang Nine-Eye Lotus

Shanyang Nine-Eye Lotus is a product with a geographical indication.

　　Shanyang Nine-Eye Lotus has a cultivation history of 500 years. Legend has it that during the Ming Dynasty’s Chenghua era, it was brought to Shanyang by settlers from “Lower China.” Influenced by Shanyang’s unique natural environment, the lotus roots grown here have nine evenly distributed air cavities arranged around the central marrow when cut horizontally—1 to 2 more than the white lotus from Hubei, hence the name “Nine-Eye Lotus.” It is said that Shanyang Nine-Eye Lotus was once an imperial tribute sent to the royal court. People often praise it with the saying, “Snowy white, crisp, fragrant, and sweet—the best vegetable is the Nine-Eye Lotus.” In 1985, Shanyang poet Chen Wenyan composed a poem in admiration of this local specialty: “Snowy white, crisp, fragrant, and sweet—the Shanyang specialty Nine-Eye Lotus. Among freshwater lotuses, it stands out, while prime roots from fertile soil are even more precious.”

　　Geographic Range

　　The production area of Shanyang Nine-Eye Lotus is located at the southeastern foot of the Qinling Mountains, with geographical coordinates between 109°32′–110°20′ east longitude and 33°42′–39°09′ north latitude. The elevation ranges from 294.1 to 2,074.4 meters, with a relative height difference of 1,780 meters. It spans from Koukoupings Village in Wangyan Township in the east, to Taoyuan Village in Huyuan Town in the west, to Xiahekou in Manchuan Pass Town in the south, and to Jiezijie Village in Yuanzi Street Town in the north. The area encompasses 21 towns and townships, including Zhangyuan Village and Wuliqiao Village in Chengguan Town, covering a total of 68 villages.