The Journey of the Elderly Men to Yimeng: Savoring Local Delicacies and Experiencing the Colorful Yimeng Culture

Recently, an event titled “Falling in Love with Yimeng Before It’s Too Late – The Elderly Men’s Journey to Yimeng,” organized and initiated by the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, has attracted widespread attention from netizens. Many have praised these men as the coolest elderly guys of 2019, cheering them on and expressing their desire to embark on a Yimeng journey themselves.

This event was participated in by seven individuals born in the founding year of the People’s Republic. They traveled across the entire Yimeng revolutionary base area, experiencing the tumultuous years and the most authentic Yimeng life while paying tribute to the Yimeng spirit. All seven elders are either retired soldiers or descendants of military personnel. In response to the directive that “the red gene must be carried forward” and to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic, they embarked on this red-themed Yimeng journey at the invitation of the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

Along the way, the elderly men paid homage to revolutionary martyrs, toured the most beautiful villages, sang the “Yimeng Mountain Folk Song,” and honored the spirit of the Red Sisters. Their actions have inspired a strong sense of patriotism among many young people, as well as a deep sense of responsibility to stay true to their original aspirations, keep their mission firmly in mind, and strive forward. At the same time, the variety of Yimeng delicacies enjoyed by the elderly during the “Elderly Men’s Journey to Yimeng” also captured the attention of numerous netizens. In fact, the Yimeng spirit is not only hidden in historical relics, echoed in revolutionary songs, and embodied by heroic figures, but it is also embedded in the Yimeng cuisine created through the hard work and wisdom of the Yimeng people.

Take a Bite of Yimeng Pancakes   and Taste the “Red” Flavor on the Tip of Your Tongue

Yimeng pancakes were one of the most common Yimeng delicacies seen on the dining tables during the elderly men’s Yimeng journey. Made primarily from common ingredients such as wheat, corn, sorghum, millet, and dried sweet potatoes, these pancakes are further refined with soybeans, sesame seeds, peanuts, walnuts, chestnuts, and dates. Depending on the main ingredient, they are categorized into wheat pancakes, corn pancakes, sorghum pancakes, millet pancakes, and sweet potato pancakes. With their unique flavors and rich nutrition, they are nationally renowned local specialties.

But what makes Yimeng pancakes famous across the country is not just their delicious taste, but also their unique “red” flavor. “Yimeng folks make pancakes, soldiers eat them to fight the Japanese. Defending our homeland with deep bonds, eating pancakes gives us strength in battle...” This is a song that was widely sung during the war years. In May 1947, during the Battle of Menglianggu, the young men from over 150 households had all gone to the frontlines with the troops. Suddenly, the Yimeng Six Sisters received an order from their superiors to process 5,000 pounds of grain into pancakes within two days and deliver them to the front. They immediately got to work, skipping meals and drinks, hurrying to make the pancakes. In the end, they successfully completed the task, ensuring the supply of rations for the frontline soldiers, and also made Yimeng pancakes widely known, becoming a unique symbol of the Yimeng spirit.

Try an Authentic Yimeng Main Dish   and Experience the Unique Warmth of the Yimeng People

During the elderly men’s Yimeng journey, photos of the elders drinking and eating chicken in the bamboo forest left a deep impression on netizens. In the Yimeng region, serving a main dish at the table is a way to show respect and warmth to guests. A main dish must meet the criteria of being meat-based, reasonably priced, suitable for pairing with alcohol, and filling. Undoubtedly, chicken is considered the most ideal main dish in the hearts of the Yimeng people.

The Yimeng people love eating chicken more than anyone else in the country. It is said that 30,000 chickens are consumed daily in the Yimeng region. Aside from the population base, this is also related to the role of chicken at the dining table. The Yimeng people have a hundred ways to turn chicken into delicious dishes, among which Mengyin Guanggun Chicken is the most famous. Created by Mr. Fu Zeming, this dish is made with a unique preparation process and secret seasonings, resulting in a fragrant, irresistible chicken that is hugely popular in the Yimeng mountains. Because all the staff involved are men, the dish is playfully called “Guanggun Chicken” (bachelor chicken). In Yimeng, if someone says, “You’re here, let me treat you to Guanggun Chicken,” it’s the warmest way to welcome you.

Eat Yimeng Scorpions Once   and Experience a Thrilling Palate Surprise

If we had to choose the most unforgettable Yimeng delicacy from the elderly men’s Yimeng journey, it would have to be Yimeng scorpions. It is said that while scorpions generally have two claws and six legs, those in the Yimeng region have two claws and eight legs, hence the name Yimeng scorpions.

Yimeng scorpions may look terrifying, but they are an uncommonly delicious treat. First, the scorpions are soaked in water and cleaned, then taken out to dry, and finally fried in oil until golden brown before being drained. The fried scorpions are crispy, fragrant, slightly sweet, delicious, and leave a lingering aftertaste. As is well known, scorpions are one of the valuable traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients, so this dish is not only tasty but also nourishing – truly a top-tier delicacy.

Taste Some Specialty Snacks   and Witness the Wisdom-Infused Yimeng Flavors

In addition to Yimeng pancakes and Guanggun Chicken, other Yimeng snacks also boast their own unique flavors. During the elderly men’s Yimeng journey, they were able to taste them all, witnessing the Yimeng flavors crafted through the hard work and wisdom of the locals.

Spicy, salty, fresh, with a uniquely rich meat flavor and enticing color, the Braised Rabbit Head is known for being “irresistibly fragrant, making you crave more even after eating, with a rich and delicious taste that you’ll never tire of.” There are no flashy cooking techniques or deceptive heavy sauces – just the natural essence of ingredients like beans, peanuts, Chinese cabbage, and sweet potato leaves. This honest and unadorned flavor makes the Yimeng Bean Mash incredibly addictive once tasted. Then there’s the Eight-Treasure Fermented Soybean Paste, which is nutritious, refreshing, and convenient to eat... Each dish is unique, yet every one is delicious.

      Majestic Mengshan Mountain stands tall, and the clear Yi River flows long. The elderly men’s Yimeng journey was both a red-themed trip and a culinary adventure. Through the distinctive Yimeng delicacies, the elders discovered the essence of the Yimeng spirit. It is hoped that their experiences will attract more young people to visit Yimeng, listen to the “Yimeng Mountain Folk Song,” and undergo a baptism of revolutionary spirit. Additionally, it is hoped that they will try more Yimeng specialties, experience the diligence and wisdom of the Yimeng people through their food, and contribute to promoting and inheriting the Yimeng spirit.