Honglan Jade Belt Cake

Honglan Jade Belt Cake

　　A specialty snack from Lishui, Jiangsu. During the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong visited the south of the Yangtze River. Upon arriving at the long-renowned scenic spot—Wuxiang Temple in Honglan Town, Lishui County—the monks were overjoyed and immediately served them fragrant tea along with their local specialty, 'White Cloud Slice Cake,' giving the imperial visitor an warm welcome. As he tasted it, Emperor Qianlong nodded and praised, “This cake is jade-white, and its taste is delightful!” The next day, as the emperor was about to leave, the monks presented him with this cake again as a parting gift. Pleased, the emperor accepted it, placed it in a cloth bag, and tied it around his waist, laughing as he remarked, “This cake is my imperial belt!” Since then, Honglan Imperial (Jade) Belt Cake has been widely spread and passed down through the generations, becoming a renowned local delicacy.

　　Imperial Belt Cake is a specialty of Honglan Town, Lishui County, Jiangsu Province.

　　Legend has it that during the Qing Dynasty, when Emperor Qianlong traveled to the south of the Yangtze River, he stopped to rest at the ancient Wuxiang Temple in Honglan Port. The temple monks treated him with great hospitality and offered him this cake. Captivated by its color, aroma, and taste, the emperor was delighted after eating it and praised, “This cake is jade-white and delicious, and its shape resembles my imperial belt.” Hence, the cake from Honglan became known as “Imperial Belt Cake.” Upon returning to the capital, the emperor instructed the Jiangsu governor to present this cake as a tribute every year. He often enjoyed it in the imperial garden with his favorite concubines, bringing smiles as bright as peach blossoms to their faces. Since then, Honglan’s “Imperial Belt Cake” has become famous far and wide. During the Spring Festival, we visited the ancient town of Honglan for an interview. Along the bustling old street, one could frequently spot all kinds of bakeries—both big and small—that operated with both storefronts and workshops. Counting them, there were as many as 13. A couplet reading “Fragrance beckons guests from afar, aroma attracts immortals from caves” welcomed us into a cake shop filled with mouthwatering scents. The owner proudly introduced his products: Jade Belt Cake, Square Slice Cake, Honey Cake, Mozi Crisp, and more than ten other varieties. He then led us to the back room to observe the production process. A kind master handed us a piece of Square Slice Cake to try. One bite and our reporter found it fragrant and uniquely delicious. The master explained that the ingredients used in Imperial Belt Cake are carefully selected, and the recipes are unique. For instance, the Square Slice Cake is made from glutinous rice flour, black sesame, peach kernels, candied fruit, fruit pulp, and sesame oil, using a special “four-layered method” for fine preparation. The cake is slightly sticky yet each slice remains separate. As he spoke, he placed a strip of Square Slice Cake on the cutting board and brushed it lightly—causing the slices to easily separate.

　　It is understood that currently, Honglan’s “Imperial Belt Cake” is not only popular in Lishui but has also entered major supermarkets, hotels, and tourist attractions. Its sales network is gradually expanding to surrounding areas such as Suzhou, Wuxi, and Changzhou, and it even has dedicated sales points in “Greater Shanghai.” Many foreign visitors who have tasted the cake hope to be able to buy it regularly overseas.

　　We sincerely hope that the “Imperial Belt Cake” can cross oceans and be shared with people around the world.