Food Guide to Mount Dapi, Hebi

Mount Dapi boasts a wealth of delicious local dishes. Below are well-known snacks and delicacies around the mountain area.

Fluffy yet firm, sweet and aromatic.

This unique treat was first made by Geng Chengshan on South Street in Xun County at the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is made of carefully selected glutinous millet and red jujubes. The millet grains must be round with a tiny black speck and pale yellowish-white colour, locally called "sun millet". Only plump, thin-skinned, bright red jujubes free of wormholes are chosen. The finished cakes are golden yellow, fluffy without being crumbly, sweet and tasty. They nourish the stomach and invigorate the spleen, hailed as a light nourishing delicacy.

Tender meat falling off the bones with perfect colour and flavour.

This dish was created by Jiang Liancheng (courtesy name Laobi) from South Street of the county seat, with a history of more than 200 years passed down through generations. The chicken is well-stewed so that the meat easily separates from the bones. It features attractive colour and excellent taste at an affordable price. It once enjoyed equal fame with Daokou Yixing Zhang Braised Chicken, and still ranks first in sales among similar products across the county today.

As one of the "Three Treasures of the Qi River" in Hebi, it is also known as "double-backed crucian carp". It has fine sparse bones, thick tender flesh and exquisite flavour. It was a royal tribute throughout dynasties and ranks among the four rare aquatic species in Henan Province. The fish has light brown backs, silvery bellies and a plump, thick torso. It has little fishy smell and no bitter gills. The stewed soup turns milky white with viscosity and stays fresh for a long time. It was designated a royal tribute in the Ming Dynasty and listed as one of Henan’s four precious aquatic creatures nowadays.

Wu Erguo Peanuts have been made by Wu Haotian’s family for three generations. Made from local large peanuts mixed with precious herbal ingredients via traditional techniques, the peanuts are neat, clean, golden and crisp. They make an ideal travelling snack and gift for relatives and friends.

Wangqiao Village, one kilometre northwest of Xun County, has long been known as the "Hometown of Tofu", with a verifiable history of nearly 300 years.

Wangqiao Tofu is elaborately processed, white and tender with pure flavour and moderate firmness. It will not break apart during stewing, frying or deep-frying. Among the village’s 300 households, 280 make tofu and bean products, with an annual output of about 2 million kilograms. The tofu skin is thin and chewy, perfect for cold mixed dishes.

Another treasure among the "Three Treasures of the Qi River". After being boiled, the egg yolk turns reddish yellow. When cut open, you can see distinct concentric colourful rings swirling toward the centre. The egg tastes firm and savoury, making it a popular gift.

Also known as northern-style pastries, they have a long history and a wide variety of flavours. Crisp and palatable with pure natural fragrance. The premium "Eight Fine Pastries" feature numerous even layers and soft sandy fillings rich in fruit aroma. There are eight shapes including three immortals, silver ingots, osmanthus blossoms, and peaches symbolizing fortune, rank, longevity and joy. They represent top-grade Beijing-style baked goods.

The Qi River is the only pollution-free river left in northern China. The Book of Songs records: "Behold the winding Qi River, where green bamboos grow thick and tall", and "The Qi River flows on and on; with cedar oars and pine boat, I drift away to release my grief."

Famous for crystal-clear water abundant in minerals, the river supplies raw water for brewing. Local people carry forward ancient brewing formulas. Using sorghum, wheat and barley as raw materials together with modern technology, they carefully brew this liquor. It is colourless and transparent with a full body. Experts comment that it has rich cellar aroma, mellow crisp taste, mild sweetness and a lasting finish. In 2003, it was appointed the official reception wine by the municipal government