Slow Talk in Fuli | Selected as a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage—come to Luzhi and savor the lingering flavors of “heritage”
Release date:
2024-01-23 09:00
Source:
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Luzhi “Fuli Duck-Making Craft”
Selected as a representative project of the eighth batch of Suzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Xihui Hotel was also selected as one of its designated protection units.
This time-honored signature dish
It not only embodies the flavor of the water towns.
It also bears witness to the cultural charm of Luzhi.
Come to Luzhi.
Savor the lingering “heritage” flavor on your palate.
A thousand-year legacy
Fuli duck grows more fragrant with age.
When duck is mentioned in Luzhi, the first name that comes to mind is Lu Guimeng, a Tang‑dynasty poet. While living in seclusion at Fuli—now known as Luzhi—he kept a flock of mallards, not only enjoying “duck fighting” but also serving them as a special treat to visiting friends. Legend has it that this dish, called Fuli Duck, was created by Lu Guimeng himself; its distinctive flavor left a lasting impression on his guests. Over time, since Lu Guimeng styled himself “Mr. Fuli,” the dish came to be known as “Fuli Duck.”
The preparation of Fuli Duck is exceedingly elaborate: local mallards are carefully selected, with a pigeon nested inside the duck, a piece of meat encased within the pigeon, and an egg tucked into the meat. The whole assembly is then gently simmered over low heat in a pot. Raised on river snails and field insects, the duck boasts firm, flavorful flesh that remains intact even after long, slow cooking—its shape perfectly preserved upon serving. The finished Fuli Duck soup gleams with a jade‑white hue, its flavors of duck, pigeon, and meat intricately intertwined, richly aromatic and deeply savory. The meat is tender yet not mushy, succulent without being greasy, with a luscious, mellow richness and a distinctive, unforgettable umami.
Image source: Luzhi Release
In 1982, the Shanghai Film Studio produced a comedic feature film titled “Xiao Xiao De Yue Lou.” The film’s protagonist gained fame by replicating Luozhi’s renowned dish, “Fuli Duck,” thereby turning the modest Xiao Xiao De Yue Lou into a celebrated restaurant. As the movie was screened, this signature Luozhi dish also captured public attention, becoming a culinary hallmark of Luozhi.
Image source: Shanghai Film Museum
In 2021, the craftsmanship of Fuli duck and Fuli duck soup was included in the sixth batch of district-level intangible cultural heritage representative projects in Wuzhong District. Recently, the “Fuli Duck‑Making Technique” was selected as a representative item in the eighth batch of Suzhou City’s intangible cultural heritage list. At present, Luzhi boasts a total of three municipal‑level intangible cultural heritage projects.
Centennial time-honored brand
Savor authentic waterside flavors.
The Xihui Restaurant in Luzhi Ancient Town is the custodian of the “Puli Duck‑Making Technique” and a time-honored brand with a century-long history. During a winter visit to Luzhi, be sure to stop by and savor this intangible cultural heritage—let the rich aroma of duck guide you through a taste of history and culture.
Xihui Restaurant was founded in 1943, originally under the name “Dachun Guan Noodle Shop.” Following the 1956 merger of public and private enterprises, it came under the jurisdiction of the Luzhi Supply and Marketing Cooperative in Wuxian County, becoming a collective enterprise known as “Dachun Guan Official Noodle Shop.” In 1987, the restaurant underwent renovation and expansion and was renamed “Xihui Restaurant.” In 1998, as part of enterprise restructuring, Xihui Restaurant transitioned into a privately owned business. In June 2018, Xihui Restaurant was recognized as a member of the “Time-Honored Brands of China” program. In September 2018, its registered trademark “Luzhi Dachun Guan” was designated as a “Time-Honored Brand of Suzhou.”
In addition to Fuli Duck, the Fuli Duck Soup at Xihui Restaurant is also well worth savoring. Legend has it that this soup was created by Lu Guimeng and his wife, Lady Jiang. The hallmark of Fuli Duck Soup lies in its rich broth: it’s made with aged ducks, simmered together with tendon, dried scallops, ham, dried shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, ginkgo nuts, and other ingredients. The result is a savory, deeply flavorful soup, thick and velvety, boasting a vibrant medley of colors—truly a dish with its own distinctive charm.
Xihui Restaurant specializes in Suzhou-style cuisine. In addition to its time-honored, heritage‑listed dishes, it also offers such classics as Shrimp Paste with Eel Sauce, Braised Pork Belly with Oil, Eight‑Treasure Rice, and Silverfish Stir-Fried with Eggs—each one sure to delight your palate.
Address: No. 8, Shangtang Street, Xihui, Luzhi Town
The flavor of history and cultural heritage
Making the culinary delights of Luzhi all the more captivating.
Children aged six years or younger (inclusive) or measuring 1.4 meters or less in height (inclusive), seniors aged 70 years or older (inclusive), persons with disabilities, and one accompanying caregiver of a person with a severe disability are exempt from admission fees upon presentation of valid identification.
