Jingzhou carved candied fruits, also known as Wanhua Tea, originated in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770 BC-256 BC) and developed during the late Five Dynasties period (907 AD-960 AD). The process involves slicing immature pomelos and intricately carving designs such as dragons, phoenixes, fish, shrimp, flowers, birds, insects, and leaves. Notable patterns include “Peacock Spreading Its Tail”, “Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl”, and “Chang’e Flying to the Moon”. After carving, the pieces are rinsed in water, mixed with white sugar or honey, and then sun-dried. Not only are they delicious, but they also possess medicinal properties that help moisten the lungs and stimulate saliva. Today, they are recognized as a provincial intangible cultural heritage.

(Translate by Yang Hong)