Li Hualan Showcases Rong County — A Timeless Blend of Flavor, History, and Local Heritage

Pomelo Fragrance Around Ancient Pavilions — The Millennium Story of a Legendary Imperial Tribute Fruit

Imperial Tribute “Shatian Pomelo” from Rong County, Yulin, Guangxi

Autumn in Rong County arrives with the unmistakable sweetness of Shatian pomelos. In the orchards of Ziliang Town, golden fruits hang heavily from time-honored branches, their skins dotted with natural brown speckles—marks of heritage trees. Once peeled, the crystal-clear segments resemble white jade, and each bite releases a refreshing sweetness that is juicy, delicate, and long-lasting on the palate.

Shatian pomelo—recognized as one of “China’s finest fruits”—carries a story that spans centuries.

Legend tells that during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, a scholar named Xia Jigang from Shatian Village returned home and dedicated himself to cultivating a pomelo variety known as “Yang’e Seed.” In the 45th year of Qianlong’s reign, during the emperor’s southern tour, Xia presented the fruit he had carefully grown. Impressed by its flavor, the emperor bestowed the name “Shatian Pomelo” and designated it as an imperial tribute. From then on, the fruit was ceremoniously delivered to the capital each year.

This story, recorded in the Rong County Annals and the Xia family genealogy, transformed the fruit from a local specialty into a royal delicacy. Today, Rong County’s Shatian pomelo is recognized as a national geographical indication product. In the orchards, the humble wish of Xia Jigang—“not seeking wealth or rank, but only the fragrance of pomelo each year”—continues to be shared across generations.

During the harvest season from October to December, visitors stroll through the orchards carrying bamboo baskets, hand-picking ripe fruits and experiencing the sweetness and tradition passed down through the centuries.

Flavors of Fire and Culture — A Literary and Culinary Journey on the Tongue
If Shatian pomelo embodies the sweetness of Rong County, then the Hakka dishes served at the table reveal its deepest culinary identity. Local cuisine favors rich, savory flavors and highlights the distinctive art of “stuffing,” with stuffed tofu standing as the soul of the region’s food culture.

In local restaurants, fresh tofu is carefully hollowed and filled with finely minced pork, black fungus, and dried shrimp. It is pan-fried until golden on both sides, then gently braised, allowing the savory broth to fully infuse the tofu. Each bite delivers tender meat and layered richness. Though simple in preparation, the dish reflects the Hakka people’s resourcefulness during migration and carries the warmth of community life—“one family cooking, the fragrance shared by all.”

Another signature of Rong County banquets—Xiushan Braised Pork—combines literary heritage with a touch of legend. Its story traces back to the Northern Song Dynasty poet Su Shi. During his exile in Huizhou, he created the famous preserved vegetable braised pork. Later, while visiting Rong County and climbing Mount Duqiao to meet his Taoist friend Shao Yanfu, Su Shi refined the dish further, perfecting the balance between savory preserved vegetables and tender pork belly.

Mount Duqiao, known as one of the 36 sacred Taoist grotto-heavens, is steeped in legends of immortals offering preserved vegetables during times of famine. Blending these tales with Su Shi’s literary influence, the dish gained a unique aura of inspiration and cultural depth. Today, after exploring Mount Duqiao, visitors can savor this rich yet non-greasy braised pork at a local farmhouse, overlooking Danxia landforms while recalling Su Shi’s poetic admiration.

Rong County’s cuisine also follows the rhythm of the seasons. In spring, bitter bamboo shoots stuffed with meat offer a delicate balance of flavors. In summer, herbal jelly with honey and mint provides refreshing relief. In autumn, pomelo peel braised pork and stuffed pomelo bring citrus fragrance into savory dishes. In winter, dog meat hotpot with fermented bean curd sauce delivers warmth and comfort.

At the Xiujian morning market, an array of local treats fills the air—steamed rice cakes topped with sesame and peanuts, cassava buns filled with shredded coconut, and red mushroom chicken soup with its rich crimson broth. By night, the Rongzhou ancient town market comes alive: sweet pomelo peel desserts refresh the palate, while guava sprinkled with chili salt offers a nostalgic street flavor cherished by locals.

 

For the Hakka People, Everything Can Be “Stuffed”

Landscapes and Time — Fireworks of Life and Poetry in an Ancient Town

The flavors of Rong County are deeply intertwined with its natural landscape. The Xiujian River winds through the town, Mount Duqiao rises with dramatic Danxia formations, and the Zhenwu Pavilion—standing for more than 450 years without a single nail—showcases architectural ingenuity that mirrors the craftsmanship found in its cuisine.

This ancient town, once the seat of Rongzhou Prefecture, still preserves streets reminiscent of the Tang and Song dynasties. At dusk, lanterns glow softly, their reflections shimmering on stone paths and river waters. Elders gather by the roadside, sharing stories of Xia Jigang’s tribute pomelos and the legendary construction of the pavilion.

As a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, Rong County’s flavors have traveled far beyond its borders. Xiushan braised pork has appeared on tables around the world through diaspora communities, while pomelo tea and vacuum-packed smoked chicken carry a taste of home to those living abroad. At the same time, local traditions remain carefully preserved—farmers tending century-old pomelo trees, chefs passing down time-honored recipes, and vendors calling out seasonal specialties in bustling morning markets.

Here, slow living is more than an idea—it is a plate of rice noodle rolls infused with beef broth simmered for 12 hours, quiet conversations among pomelo orchards, and the aroma of home-style cooking drifting through ancient streets as night falls.

 

A Corner of Zhenwu Pavilion in Rong County

Walking through the streets of Rong County, every step unfolds a story, and every bite captures the taste of time. The sweetness of Shatian pomelo reflects both nature’s generosity and generations of careful cultivation. The savoriness of stuffed tofu conveys warmth and cultural heritage, while the richness of Xiushan braised pork blends literary elegance with a sense of timeless tradition. Hidden in the heart of Lingnan, this ancient town connects past and present through its food and stories, offering comfort to both the palate and the soul. When the fragrance of pomelo fills the air once again, slow down, wander through its landscapes and daily life, and experience the thousand-year-old flavors of Rong County.

 

Kinghelm and Slkor — A Strong and Thriving Team