The Historic Bond Between Xian County and Muscovy Ducks
Release date:
2020-06-19
The people of Leshou have renovated the Leshou Imperial Restaurant, ensuring that the storied legacy of Leshou Imperial Duck—and its historical connection to Beijing Roast Duck—is passed down through generations. Blending Leshou's rich traditional culture and history with the royal heritage and industry expertise, the Leshou Imperial Restaurant has elevated Beijing Roast Duck, imbuing it with even deeper cultural significance and value.
Xian County boasts得天独厚 of exceptional water resources, with five major rivers converging within its borders, earning it the title of "China's Hot Spring City." Its underground water is rich in trace elements that are beneficial to health. Thanks to this pristine environment, Xian County's meat ducks thrive naturally in the water, resulting in tender, flavorful poultry renowned for their unique "water-infused" quality. For two millennia, Xian County has been intimately connected to the history of these prized meat ducks—creating a bond that runs deep and enduring.
Zhu Yuanzhang established Nanjing as the capital, and duck cuisine thrived in the city of Jinling, giving rise to "焖炉烤鸭" (braised-oven roast duck).
Xian County boasts得天独厚的水资源条件, with five major rivers converging within its borders, earning it the title of "China's Hot Spring City." Its underground water is rich in trace elements that are beneficial to health. Thanks to this pristine environment, Xian County's meat ducks thrive naturally in the water, resulting in tender, flavorful poultry renowned for their unique "water-infused" quality. For two millennia, Xian County has been intimately tied to the history of these prized meat ducks—creating a bond that runs deep and enduring.
Guided by the Confucian cultural principles of "harmony between heaven and humanity"—a natural ecological ethic—and the life-affirming awareness of "oneness with all things," we have cultivated the "white, affluent beauty hidden within the Peking duck carcass."
Eastern Han Dynasty
During the Western Han dynasty, after "Liu Xiu's flight to save the nation," a group of followers fled to Wulouting Village in the northwest of Xian County. Just when they were cornered with no way out, their general Feng Yi presented Liu Xiu with a delicious Leshou duck. After feasting on the succulent duck meat, Liu Xiu regained his strength, evaded the pursuing enemies, and eventually went on to establish the Eastern Han Dynasty. As recorded in the *Book of Later Han*: "Presenting duck meat was an act of filial piety." To this day, the place name "Xiaoju Village" remains in Monan Town, Xian County, commemorating this legendary tale of loyalty and resilience.
The Leshou duck was presented as a tribute to Emperor Liu Xiu of the Eastern Han dynasty, earning it fame throughout the land.
Yuan Dynasty
The Grand Canal is fully navigable along its entire length. The Hutuo River is now connected to the Grand Canal. Le Shou ducks have followed the Hutuo River and entered the Grand Canal.
Ming Dynasty
Zhu Yuanzhang established Nanjing as the capital, and duck cuisine flourished in the city of Jinling, giving rise to "焖炉烤鸭" (braised-oven roast duck).
The Leshou duck thrives on the imperial grain scattered throughout the Grand Canal, traveling northward along the canal until it reaches Beijing—where it’s also known as the Peking duck.
During the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Di moved the capital to Beijing, and Peking duck—prepared by the imperial chefs who accompanied the royal court northward—began to be roasted using the renowned Leshou duck (the Beijing duck).
Qing Dynasty
During the Kangxi and Qianlong periods of the Qing Dynasty, emperors invariably passed through Danqiao on their southern tours along the Two Capitals Imperial Road. On one occasion, Emperor Qianlong enjoyed Le Shou Roast Duck with his ministers at Danqiao—and in high spirits, he turned to Ji Xiaolan, asking, "My loyal minister, why is this roast duck so incredibly delicious?" Without hesitation, Ji Xiaolan replied, "First roasted under direct heat, then twice baked, and finally briefly seared—truly fragrant, perfectly crispy, and authentically exquisite!" Hearing this, Qianlong couldn’t help but beam with delight. Today, the people of Le Shou have restored the historic Le Shou Imperial Pavilion, ensuring that the legendary tale of Le Shou Roast Duck—and its storied connection to Beijing Roast Duck—is lovingly passed down through generations.
Emperor Qianlong embarked on a southern tour and enjoyed roast duck by the banks of Shan Bridge in Xian County.
Modern
Le Shou Yufang seamlessly blends Le Shou's traditional history and culture, imperial heritage, with its industry-specific identity, imbuing Beijing Roast Duck with an even deeper cultural significance.
The people of Leshou have renovated the Leshou Imperial Temple, ensuring that the cherished legacy of Leshou Imperial Duck—and its storied history alongside Beijing Roast Duck—is passed down through generations.
Today, whether in Beijing, Xian County, or anywhere else across China—and even around the world—Beijing roast duck is more than just a dish; it embodies the profound virtues of the Chinese people and the rich culinary heritage of the Chinese nation. As we savor this exquisite delicacy, let’s cherish the abundance of our modern lives even more, and ensure that the inspiring story behind Beijing roast duck is passed down faithfully from generation to generation!
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Unit Name:
Le Shou Agricultural and Pastoral Group Co., Ltd. – Hebei Branch
Service hotline:
0317-4600668
Contact address:
Xian County, Cangzhou City, Hebei Province
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