A Land of Rich Heritage and Natural Bounty
Nestled in the southwestern part of Guangdong Province, Maoming is a city where history and nature intertwine to create a vibrant and unique cultural landscape. Known as the “City of Goodwill,” Maoming's name originates from a legendary Daoist figure, Pan Maoming, who was revered for his selfless acts of healing and benevolence during ancient times. The city's emblem proudly features the character for "good heart," a nod to its deep-rooted tradition of compassion, inspired by Lady Xian, a prominent political and military figure from the Southern and Northern Dynasties.
The geography of Maoming is as diverse as its history. With mountains to the north and the South China Sea to the south, the city benefits from a range of landscapes that have shaped its development. The fertile plains and rolling hills have been the cradle of tropical and subtropical fruit cultivation, making Maoming a powerhouse in China's agricultural sector. This unique blend of historical significance and natural wealth has earned Maoming the title of "China's Fruit Capital," a place where the land's bounty is celebrated and revered.
Exploring Maoming is a journey through a landscape where tradition meets innovation, where ancient practices blend seamlessly with modern techniques to create a culinary experience like no other. The city's dedication to preserving its agricultural heritage while embracing the future is evident in every bite, whether it's the sweet juiciness of a lychee, the rich aroma of Huajuhong (化橘红), or the comforting warmth of duck congee.
Maoming's rich cultural tapestry and natural bounty make it a destination for food lovers and history buffs alike. Whether you're wandering through the ancient lychee orchards, savoring a freshly caught seafood feast, or indulging in the city's signature chicken dishes, Maoming offers a taste of China's culinary diversity at its finest.
The Lychee Legacy: Maoming's Crown Jewel
When it comes to lychees, Maoming is unrivaled. The city is the largest lychee production base in the world, contributing significantly to global supply. Remarkably, one in every five lychees consumed globally originates from Maoming. The city's lychee cultivation boasts a history that spans over 2,000 years, with some trees living over a century, adding a touch of ancient wisdom to the city's thriving orchards.
Legend has it that the lychees from Maoming were among the favorite fruits of Yang Guifei, the beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty. According to historical records, Gao Lishi, a trusted court official and a native of Maoming, would present the emperor with lychees from his hometown to delight the emperor's beloved. The city's lychees, often referred to as the “best of the best,” continue to captivate palates with their succulent, fragrant, and refreshingly sweet flesh.
Maoming's lychee orchards are home to over 19,000 ancient trees, including one that has stood the test of time for over 1,933 years. This enduring legacy is a testament to the city's rich agricultural heritage and the meticulous care with which these trees are tended. Today, visitors to Maoming can experience the same delight that once brought a smile to the face of an imperial consort. The juicy, snow-white flesh of a freshly peeled lychee is a sensory delight, with its delicate sweetness and subtle fragrance making it a true gem among fruits.
While lychees may be the star of Maoming's agricultural landscape, the city is also one of China's leading producers of longans. This small, juicy fruit, often referred to as the "Southern Ginseng," is cherished for its health benefits and sweet, aromatic flavor. Maoming's longans, particularly the Shuiliang variety, are renowned for their small seeds, thick flesh, and crisp texture. Rich in history, longans from Maoming were once imperial tributes, and today, they continue to be a cherished delicacy.
Another lesser-known treasure from Maoming is Huajuhong, a type of dried citrus peel used in traditional Chinese medicine. Named after the city of Huazhou in Maoming, this prized ingredient is known for its therapeutic properties, particularly in treating respiratory ailments. Huajuhong's fame has made it one of the first Chinese medicinal herbs to receive official protection as a cultural heritage item.
The Coastal Cuisine: A Symphony of Flavors
Maoming's culinary scene is not just about fruits and herbs; it is also a paradise for seafood lovers. The city's Dianbai District (电白区), known for its frequent thunderstorms, is home to “China's First Beach,” a pristine 12-kilometer stretch of white sand. The nearby waters, celebrated for their crystal-clear clarity, provide a bountiful harvest of fish, shrimp, and crabs, which are the cornerstone of Maoming's local cuisine.
Maoming's coastal location has given rise to a distinctive culinary tradition that is deeply connected to the sea. One of the city's most famous delicacies is the salted duck egg, a product of the ducks raised in the lush, mangrove-lined shores of the Dianbai region. These ducks, fed a diet rich in seafood, produce eggs with an unparalleled richness in flavor. The salted duck eggs from Dianbai were once served as tributes during the Ming Dynasty and are still celebrated today as “China's Best Egg.”
Another iconic dish from Maoming is duck congee, a simple yet flavorful comfort food that showcases the city's culinary expertise. The congee is made by simmering local duck meat with rice and herbs, creating a dish that is both fragrant and nourishing. The variation from He Gang uses pearl rice, known for its delicate flavor, while the Dianbai version incorporates a variety of local spices, resulting in a congee that is rich, savory, and satisfying.
Not to be outdone, Maoming's chicken dishes are equally renowned, particularly the Huazhou sesame oil chicken. This dish features Huaxiang chickens, a local breed known for their tender meat and flavorful fat. The chicken is steamed or poached and then drizzled with a special sauce made from locally sourced sesame oil and a blend of aromatic spices, creating a dish that is both luxurious and comforting.
