An inventory of Chaoshan Jieyang’s food and customs, Chaoshan Jieyang, a magical place you must visit in this lifetime!
Preface
Many people are familiar with the term "Chaoshan," a hidden gem that's been popularized by Douyin (TikTok) and its delicious cuisine. If anyone hasn't heard of Chaoshan these days, they've either never used Douyin or haven't had enough hotpot. After all, Chaoshan beef hotpot is a major restaurant trend across much of China, now a must-try for urban dining.
While some people have certainly had beef hotpot dozens of times, do you know what dipping sauce is best for authentic Chaoshan beef hotpot? Perhaps some foodies know Chaoshan has other delicious dishes besides beef hotpot, but how many people are familiar with Chaoshan culture?
What is Chaoshan
Over the past few years, I've accumulated a lot of funny memes. Many people ask me if Chaoshan is part of a province or a city. But! No! It's not! "Chaoshan" is essentially the same concept as "Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai"! Chaoshan actually encompasses three prefecture-level cities: Chaozhou, Shantou, and Jieyang. People generally refer to these three cities collectively as the Chaoshan region. Therefore, Chaoshan is not Chaozhou! It's just that Chaoshan has historically belonged to Chaozhou Prefecture, known as the Eight Counties of Chaozhou.
provincial end country corner
Chaoshan people often use the term "the end of the province and the corner of the country" to describe the Chaoshan area where they live. This is because the Chaoshan area is located on the eastern coast of Guangdong, right at the end of Guangdong Province, and also in a small corner in the southeast of mainland China. Therefore, "the end of the province and the corner of the country" naturally becomes a synonym for the Chaoshan area, and it is well-deserved.
Although Chaoshan is close to the sea, it also happens to be a plain area. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, it is relatively isolated. Therefore, the ocean has opened a door to the world for the Chaoshan people. This unique geographical environment has also shaped the Chaoshan people's conservative yet enterprising character. It is precisely these characteristics that have created the mysterious Chaoshan culture.
Chaoshan culture
Chaoshan culture, created by the Chaoshan people (the Chaoshan ethnic group), belongs to Lingnan culture, is a subculture of Han culture, and is an important component of the excellent culture of the Chinese nation. Characterized by its predominance of maritime culture, it possesses distinct regional characteristics while also incorporating some elements of Central Plains culture, and permeates the social lives of the Chaoshan people.
Chaoshan culture is represented by Chaoshan dialect, Chaoshan cuisine, Chaoshan folk houses, Chaoshan folk customs, Chaoshan Gongfu tea, Chaoshan religious culture, Chaoshan business culture, Chaoshan ancestral halls, Chaoshan embroidery, Chaoshan opera, etc., and has a far-reaching influence.
Where there is culture, there must be civilization, and language and civilization are the greatest symbols of a region. The mysterious Chaoshan people, of course, also have their own language and civilization, which is the Chaoshan dialect.
Chaoshan dialect
The Chaoshan dialect, also known as Teochew, belongs to the Minnan dialect subdialect of the Chinese dialect family and has 15 phonetic symbols. Monographs on the Chaoshan dialect include the "Chaoshan Dictionary" and "The 15 Phonetic Symbols of Chaozhou."
It's important to note that the Chaoshan dialect is the primary language of communication throughout the Chaoshan region! Cantonese is not spoken, so not all people in Guangdong speak Cantonese.
Of the three cities of Chaoshan, Chaozhou and Shantou are relatively well-known. Their viral popularity on TikTok (TikTok) helped Chaozhou make headlines this Spring Festival, becoming the top destination for Spring Festival travel. But how many people know about Jieyang, a magical city right next door to Chaozhou? If you've only just discovered it, you're missing out!
Treasure Jieyang
As the saying goes, "every hundred miles apart, the customs are different; every thousand miles apart, the habits are different." In the Chaoshan region, there is an ancient town where the cuisine is adapted to the local conditions, the customs are refined by the people, and the Spring Festival is celebrated because of its customs. This is Jieyang, one of the three major cities in Chaoshan.
As an ancient city in eastern Guangdong, Jieyang is a renowned historical and cultural city in Guangdong Province and one of its oldest counties. The Rongjiang River basin within its boundaries was once the regional center of ancient eastern Guangdong and southern Fujian, and the birthplace of Chaoshan culture. So why visit Jieyang? Because its cuisine and folk customs rival those of the bustling Chaozhou and Shantou regions!
Why did I mention above that it's a big loss to only know about Jieyang now? Yes, that's right. If you only know Chaoshan and not Jieyang, you're really missing out! But if you know about it now, it's not too late.
The biggest loss if you don't come to Jieyang
Transportation is convenient and saves money!
Jieyang, while lesser-known than Chaozhou and Shantou, is home to the Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, the only airport in the Chaoshan region. Those who regularly check out airline tickets will notice that many online deals often feature the phrase "Jieyang Chaoshan." Indeed, both domestic and international flights are incredibly cheap! The cheapest I remember was a Spring Airlines flight from Jieyang to Shanghai, costing just ¥99 for airfare, ¥50 for taxes, and ¥30 for insurance. Even during holidays, the round-trip fare was under ¥500.
With fares this low, why wouldn't you want to go? It's even cheaper than the high-speed rail fare from Chaoshan Station to Hangzhou or Shanghai. Furthermore, Jieyang Airport is only 30 kilometers from downtown Jieyang, much closer than Chaoshan Station in Chaozhou, making it incredibly convenient to travel from the airport to Jieyang.
Tips:
When traveling in Jieyang, it's recommended to use the Didi app for reliable taxis, as taxis in Jieyang don't use meters; the fare is fixed. Especially at the airport or high-speed rail station, if Didi isn't available and you need to take a taxi, be sure to agree on a price with the driver in advance!
The second loss if you don't come to Jieyang
Same food, lower cost! The consumption level in Jieyang City can be said to be the lowest among the three cities of Chaoshan, but this does not prevent you from tasting Chaoshan food of the same quality.
You can check in at Shantou and Chaozhou, and Jieyang has the same. In addition, the five meals of Jieyang people's day are the most basic. Here it is necessary to recommend to you some of the most unique and must-try foods in Jieyang:
Beef Hot Pot
When you come to the hometown of the famous Chaoshan beef hotpot, it's absolutely impossible not to eat and drink a lot! Why is the beef hotpot here so popular? It all depends on how the Chaoshan people treat beef.
The picture above perfectly and comprehensively illustrates how Chaoshan people can distinguish the smallest details of beef. I heard that they can taste the difference between each part. This is what makes Chaoshan people so scary.
But I have to tell you a secret: the beef brisket is a must-order, and the taste is absolutely amazing! So, how should you blanch each cut of beef, and for how long? See the picture below for some essential tips →
Some people might ask why we didn’t mention the beef balls that everyone is so fond of. Don’t worry, a good thing like beef balls must be mentioned separately.
Generally, beef balls are sold in two types: raw and cooked. The main difference between the two is that raw beef balls will be very tender when cooked in hot pot, while cooked beef balls will be very fragrant after being heated in hot pot. Having said so much, why do the beef balls here taste so good?
The taste of Chaoshan beef balls is just like the ones beaten with a real knife as shown in the picture below. This is the unique feature of Chaoshan hand-beaten beef balls. The taste of beef balls beaten in this way is not at the same level as those processed by machines.
Recommended: Shangyi Yihe Daily Fresh Beef Restaurant
Average price: 60/person
Opening hours: 10:30-14:00, 17:00-22:00
Location: Next to Xinshangyi Gas Station, 50 meters northeast of the intersection of Tongde Road and Ronghu Road, Rongcheng District
A restaurant in Jieyang City with a great reputation for fresh meat. If you go there late at mealtime, many parts of the beef will be sold out.
Kway Teow
Kueh teow and kueh chow are traditional snacks from regions like Chaoshan and Fujian. The term "kueh teow" is also used in these regions, and the Chaoshan people also call it "kueh tiao." In the Chaoshan region, any food made with rice flour as the main ingredient and additional ingredients like flour and potato starch is called "kueh."
Kueh teow and rice noodles look similar, but they are different in that they have a springier texture. Kueh teow is often served stir-fried or in soups at banquets in the Chaoshan region and is an essential daily staple for the locals.
Recommended: Returning Customer (Ximen Deaf)
Average price: 15 yuan per person
Business hours: 18:00-01:00 (opening or not depends on the owner's mood, it can be said that this is a very capricious store)
Location: 50 meters from No. 1 Middle School Bridge to West Lake Park in Rongcheng District
A simple, old roadside shop sits on West Lake Road in Jieyang. It's run by an elderly couple in their fifties who have been selling various rice noodles and soups for 20 years. Their shop is quite remote, making it a bit of a hassle for newcomers to find it. Although this old shop is run by just two people, they offer delicious food that will make you linger on West Lake nights.
Kueh juice
Kueh zhi is a popular traditional folk snack in the Chaoshan region, and stalls selling it can be found everywhere on the streets of Chaoshan. Kueh zhi's most important ingredients are its broth and toppings. Without the thick broth and specially prepared marinade, along with ingredients like braised pork intestines, braised pork, braised eggs, Chinese sausage, and dried tofu, this bowl of kueh zhi would be soulless.
Recommended: Xiyuan Kueh Juice Shop
Average price per person: 8
Opening hours: 06:00-10:00
Location: 30 meters into the alley next to Jiaxihong in Xiyuan, Rongcheng District
This Xiyuan Kueh Chi shop has been in business for nearly 40 years. Opening at 6 a.m. every day, its customers are mostly local residents. The owner says that locally grown rice is best for making Kueh Chi wrappers, as it's fresher and produces a richer rice aroma.
Compared with the traditional production method, the most special thing about Xiyuan Kueh Juice is that the rice milk and the kueh skin are cooked separately, scooped into a bowl, and then the marinade is added and a few pieces of braised food are placed on it, such as braised pork intestines, braised meat, braised eggs, braised mushrooms, Chinese sausage and dried tofu. The taste is really good and people will applaud after eating it.
Steamed Vermicelli Roll
Main ingredient: rice milk
Ingredients: pork, beef, shrimp, vegetables, eggs, ham, preserved radish pieces (dried radish pieces), etc.
Preparation: Rice noodle rolls are simple to make, using a special steaming tool. Simply pour ground rice paste onto a plate, add the fillings to the rice noodle wrapper, steam until cooked, roll it into a pig intestine shape, place it on a plate, and drizzle with a special sauce. This is a delicacy that Chaoshan people must enjoy almost every day. Morning or night, a rice noodle roll is all they need.
Recommended: Feiyan Rice Noodle Roll
Per person: Single rice noodle rolls 11 yuan/person, plus soup 17 yuan/person
Opening hours: 18:00-02:00
Location: Intersection of Fei 1 Lane, Rongcheng District
This rice noodle roll shop has been open for more than ten years. Its rice noodle rolls are fragrant, and the special marinade is poured on the rice noodle rolls. The batter skin is just the right thickness and tastes very tender and smooth. When you lift the outer layer of the rice noodle rolls to reveal the meat and vegetables wrapped inside, it tastes especially delicious when eaten hot.
Generally, you can order the toppings for your rice noodle rolls yourself. Just tell the owner when it's your turn. A bowl of traditional Chinese soup is a must-have for rice noodle rolls. So, you can see how much Cantonese people love soup.
Oyster Omelette
Oyster omelets are a Chaoshan specialty, a delicacy often tried by visitors. They can be found in small shops and street vendors along the streets. To make them, oyster omelets are made by dissolving sweet potato starch in water and mixing it with chopped green onions. The mixture is then pan-fried in a flat iron pan, topped with oysters and a scrambled egg, and served with fish sauce.
Recommended: Dianma Road Old Brand Oyster Omelette
Per capita: 30 yuan/person
Location: Across from Sixian Middle School on Jinxianmen Avenue in Rongcheng District.
The 35-yuan oyster omelet is generously portioned and, paired with a serving of fried rice noodles and a soup, is perfectly adequate for two people. Oyster omelet is essentially the Taiwanese equivalent of oyster omelet, though it's known differently in different places.
The oysters here are really fresh and plump, and you can tell they are delicious when you see the boss cooking them. Most importantly, the portions are so large that if you are not in a group, you can order as much as you want and then add more to avoid wasting.
Chaozhou-style sweet soup
Sweet soup is another essential delicacy for Cantonese people. It's not a staple food, but rather a small dessert that's always available in the street market. There are many varieties of sweet soup, such as mung bean soup, double-skin milk, tortoise jelly, and sea anise flower. Some desserts are available both hot and cold. In the scorching summer heat, a bowl of chilled water chestnut and white fungus soup is enough to satisfy your life.
Recommended: Hanci Yangji Sweet Soup
Price per person: 5 yuan per person.
Hours: Noon to midnight (depending on customer flow).
Location: Middle section of Hanci Road, Rongcheng District.
Hanci Road is considered an old pedestrian street in Jieyang, with many shops selling handbags. Generally, from noon to the early morning, there are many sweet soup shops along Hanci Road, both with and without stores. I highly recommend Yangji, as the owner is honest and the place is relatively clean. You can sit down and enjoy a bowl of soup when you're free. It's affordable and tastes good.
Sandy egg yolk
Does "fansha" (Fansha) actually contain sand? Actually, the "sand" here refers to white sugar. Chaoshan people are experts in making many "fansha" foods, such as "fansha taro" and "fansha sweet potato," but the most delicious and famous one is "fansha egg yolk."
The process of adding fried egg yolks to a pan and then shaking the pan vigorously to coat every yolk with melted sugar is quite simple. The finished product is sweet, fragrant, crispy, and has a unique flavor.
Recommended: Liuhelong Houpo Lane Salted Egg Yolk
Price per person: 2 yuan per piece.
Address: Houpo Alley, near Jinxianmen, Rongcheng District.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM.
This shop has been operating here for almost 20 years, and is mostly popular with locals. Be sure to distinguish it from the nearby "Houpo Alley Salted Egg Yolk," which doesn't have a storefront.
Fruit juice
"Don't you have fruit juice in so many places? Why list it here?" some people ask. But once you actually try it, you'll find it's freshly squeezed! Clean and hygienic! And affordable! How can you find something so good and so cheap?
Recommended: Freshly squeezed green juice from a time-honored brand
Per person: 10 yuan/cup
Address: Shop 148, Guanyinzi Street, near McDonald's, Rongcheng District
Opening hours: 09:00-21:00
This shop isn't found on the map, but it's been around for over 20 years. Their freshly squeezed juices are just 10 yuan per cup, and you can order a single fruit or a combination of two. Adding Yakult or yogurt will cost extra, but it's not that expensive. Also, if you don't like sweetness, just ask the owner in advance to use less sugar.
If you think that Jieyang has so many delicious foods, you are wrong! The above mentioned are just some of the more distinctive check-in foods. The one mentioned below can be said to be Jieyang's trump card.
Chaoshan Night Porridge
It's no secret that Cantonese people are experts at making porridge, and the Chaoshan people are no exception. Eating porridge has long been a staple for every Chaoshan person, no matter how busy they are. Whether it's breakfast or a late-night snack, porridge is a must-have. And in Jieyang, the most famous porridge restaurant is undoubtedly "Jin'an Street Food Stall."
Recommended: Jin'an Street Food Stalls
Price per person: 15 yuan/person
Address: Middle section of Jin'an Street, Rongcheng District
Business hours: 18:00-03:00
As soon as you step onto Jin'an Street at night, you'll be captivated by the crowds surrounding the street food stalls. Here, you'll find a dazzling array of dishes, rich and diverse, both savory and sweet, and a wide variety to suit your budget. From cold dishes to stir-fries, from raw pickled vegetables to braised dishes, you can order everything. But no matter how many side dishes you order, a trip to Jieyang wouldn't be complete without a bowl of the signature dish: hot white porridge. In short, if you don't plan to sit down and enjoy a bowl of late-night porridge, you'll hardly feel the true joy of being in the city.
Tips:
When you go to the night porridge stalls on An Street, you can help yourself to the side dishes, including raw and marinated seafood, side dishes, etc. There are many varieties to choose from. If you don’t order other main dishes or freshly cooked dishes, it only costs 5 yuan per person. Aren’t people in Jieyang very generous?
Notice
Many snack shops in Jieyang are only open in the evening or afternoon. If you go out to look for delicious food in the morning, many of them are closed. You will eat more in the evening.
Of course, Jieyang boasts more than just delicious food; even more precious is the vibrant flavors of Spring Festival. In this mysterious land where delicious food and festive spirit coexist, visiting during Spring Festival will offer not only breathtaking scenery but also an eye-opening exploration of local customs and culture.
The third loss if you don't come to Jieyang
The magic of Jieyang lies in the fact that this hot land still retains many traditional folk customs during the Spring Festival every year, and the folk festivals here are in no way inferior to those of ethnic minorities.
So if you just found out about this now, you're at a huge disadvantage, because you probably never imagined that in the coastal areas where the Spring Festival atmosphere is fading, there's such a culturally rich country with a strong New Year's atmosphere. But if you know about this now, it's not too late.
"Welcome the Master"
Jieyang, the birthplace of Chaoshan culture, is known for its unique blend of Buddhism and Taoism. Residents refer to the deities they worship as "Laoye." Every Lunar New Year, villages celebrate the popular custom of welcoming the Laoye (also known as the "God Parade"), a major attraction in Jieyang during the Spring Festival.
Villagers also believed that inviting the various gods to inspect the temple allowed them to better understand the people's sentiments and bring good fortune and well-being to the village. Generally, if the inspection route passed by their homes, people would prepare a large number of firecrackers, believing that the more firecrackers they set off, the more favor the gods would receive.
Tips:
After the deity descends to heaven on the fourth day of the first lunar month, every village or temple committee in Jieyang organizes an annual parade to celebrate the deity. Larger parades in downtown Jieyang typically take place between the 23rd and 28th days of the first lunar month in the downtown area of Rongcheng District.
As for the specific day of the parade, the organizing committees of major temples will seek the opinions of the gods by drawing lots after the gods descend to earth on the fourth day of the first lunar month every year. At that time, the information will be announced on major social platforms or WeChat public accounts in Jieyang City.
Qiaolin Fireworks Fire Dragon
The national intangible cultural heritage "Qiaolin Fireworks and Fire Dragon" has a history of more than 600 years. It integrates dance, costumes, Chaozhou music and martial arts, and is divided into three forms: "Dragon Parade", "Dragon Dance" and "Dragon Burning".
The fireworks and fire dragons of Qiaolin, Jieyang, originated in the Ming Dynasty in Panxi's Duguqiao (formerly known as Qiaolin), now known as Qiaodong, Qiaoxi, and Qiaonan villages. Local legend has it that the custom of burning dragons originated in the late Ming Dynasty as a way for the people of Qiaolin to celebrate their victory against violence and foreign invasion. This tradition later evolved into a traditional New Year celebration. The people of Qiaolin continue this tradition to this day, expressing their best wishes for good weather, peace, and prosperity.
Tips:
The Qiaolin Fireworks and Fire Dragon Show is not necessarily held in the first month of every year, as it involves folk customs and beliefs. Therefore, this event will not be held in the Year of the Dragon or in years that conflict with the dragon zodiac sign.
If the festival is held annually, the dragon parade and dragon dance take place from the first to the fifth day of the first lunar month. The dragon dance team will parade through the streets and alleys of Qiaolin Township, accompanied by fireworks and firecrackers, creating a festive atmosphere. After the fifth day of the first lunar month, the team will set off fireworks to depict the auspicious dragon and phoenix. On the tenth night of the first lunar month, the final act is the display of fireworks and fire dragons.
Yangmei Torch Festival
Yangmei Village (Community) is located in Pandong Subdistrict, Jieyang Industrial Park. The village's traditional specialty is jade, gold, and silver processing, earning it the reputation of "The Hometown of Gold and Jade." While Yangmei jade carvings are widely admired, local customs and practices are even more renowned. The Yangmei Torch Festival, a unique traditional folk cultural event with over 300 years of history, features daytime cultural parades on the fifth and sixth days of the Lunar New Year, followed by a nighttime torchlight parade on the sixth day. The highlight of these two days of entertainment is the evening of the sixth day, when villagers gather in front of their respective public halls to set off fireworks and firecrackers. Elders preside over a fire-lighting ceremony, where the flame is passed around and the procession slowly marches along the village roads, praying for safe travel, abundant wealth, and prosperity in life and business.
Tips:
Regarding torches: Torches for the Torch Festival are typically made of bamboo or iron. On the evening of the fifth or sixth day of the Lunar New Year, many people set up stalls selling torches in Yangmei Village, where the festival takes place. For a one-time use, bamboo torches are sufficient. These typically cost around 15-20 yuan each, along with kerosene and gloves.
Jumping over a fire
"Jumping over fire piles" is a local Spring Festival custom in Jieyang, usually performed during nighttime processions and worshipping celestial beings. Hay is piled into the shape of a valley and set alight, creating a blazing fire. Men, covered in "immortal water," then jump over it one by one to the rousing sound of gongs and drums, drawing enthusiastic cheers and applause from the onlookers.
The elders believe that jumping over the fire means overcoming the hardships and bad luck of the previous year, welcoming good luck in the new year, and avoiding worries.
Tips:
Any man who is interested can participate in the fire jumping activity. In Xiqian Village, every year during the Lantern Festival in the first month of the lunar year, there are always some brave men who come to try it.
Placing pigs and sheep
The solemn and simple custom of displaying pigs and sheep in Jieyang's Shuolian Village is well-known locally, with a history dating back over 500 years. It celebrates the prosperity and well-being of the past year and hopes for favorable weather, prosperous business, good luck, and a happy life in the new year.
Every year on the 16th and 17th day of the first lunar month, activities are held to worship the God of Wealth Zhao Gongming and Guan Gong. The ten natural villages under their jurisdiction (commonly known as the "Ten Communities") take turns hosting the activities, and each natural village only has a turn every ten years.
As folk customs vary from place to place, the "displaying pigs and sheep" activity attracts a large number of people from surrounding areas to visit, and there are usually many photography enthusiasts who go to capture the shots.
Tips:
1. In addition to offering pigs and sheep, wealthy families will also take out all the valuable items in their homes to offer as a token of their sincerity.
2. Regarding pork and mutton, after the offering ceremony, each household will carry their own pigs and sheep back home to cut them up, because the locals believe this is a kind of wealth.
Conclusion
It is said that the New Year atmosphere is most intense when one is a child. When one grows up, traditional things are gradually eliminated, and New Year customs and habits also slowly disappear... But as winter turns to spring, year after year, Jieyang still retains its rich local New Year customs.
During the daytime in Jieyang, the sun is usually very hot, but your heart will be very warm; when night falls, if you are under the soft lights of the ancient houses and taste the Chaoshan rice noodle rolls at the corner of an old street alley, you will definitely be left with a deep impression.
