Shaanxi Eight-Treasure Rice

Shaanxi Eight-Treasure Rice

　　"Eight-Treasure Rice" is a famous dish commonly served at feasts in Shaanxi, celebrated for its vibrant color, fragrant aroma, delicious flavor, and attractive appearance. It is mainly made with glutinous rice and usually paired with nutrient-rich ingredients such as red dates, lotus seeds, lily bulbs, coix seeds, ginkgo nuts, longan pulp, and colorful candied fruits. Seasonal and regional variations may include walnuts, hawthorn cake, raisins, peanuts, highland barley, and cherries as additional ingredients.

　　 The origin of "Eight-Treasure Rice" is tied to the legend of the "Eight Zhou Nobles Burning King Zhou of Shang." King Zhou of Shang was a tyrannical and corrupt ruler in Chinese history, whose reign saw social conflicts reach a boiling point. Ji Fa, who had been imprisoned by King Zhou, sought revenge by recruiting talented individuals including Bo Da, Bo Kuo, Zhong Tu, Zhong Hu, Shu Ye, Shu Xia, and Ji Sui—known collectively as the "Eight Nobles." After Ji Fa’s death, the Eight Nobles became key advisors to King Wu of Zhou and played an active role in overthrowing the Shang Dynasty. Around 1027 BCE, following the defeat of King Zhou, a grand celebration was held in the Western Zhou capital of Fenghao. The royal chefs specially prepared a dish using eight precious ingredients steamed together. When served, it was topped with hawthorn juice, bright red as fire, symbolizing the "Eight Nobles burning King Zhou of Shang." Since then, Eight-Treasure Rice has been passed down through generations.