Great news for zongzi lovers! As the Dragon Boat Festival draws near, the beloved traditional delicacy -zongzi is making its annual return to markets across China. On May 15, the rich cultural heritage of zongzi took center stage at a special promotional event held at the Gaotan Town Tourist Service Center in Huidong County, Huizhou City, Guangdong Province.
The event marked a significant step forward for the local zongzi industry, as Baiyu Food (Huizhou) Co., Ltd. signed strategic cooperation agreements with four key partners involved in zongzi leaf cultivation, raw meat sourcing, cured meat supply, and sales development. These partnerships are set to strengthen the supply chain and drive the sustainable growth of Gaotan Town's traditional zongzi craft, bringing authentic flavors to more tables this festive season.
Zongzi
Zongzi—pyramid-shaped glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in reed or bamboo leaves—is a beloved traditional delicacy enjoyed by people across China during the Dragon Boat Festival. In Gaotan Town, the savory scent of freshly made zongzi fills the air as families prepare for the holiday. The town is especially renowned for its unique ash water zongzi, a local delicacy steeped in history. This traditional variety is crafted using "ash water"—a fragrant liquid derived from soaking plant ash in water, which is mixed with glutinous rice to create a subtle, smoky flavor. Passed down through generations, this time-honored technique is still widely practiced nowadays, showcasing Gaotan's deep cultural roots and enduring commitment to preserving its culinary heritage.
Workers are making zongzi.
"We hope to use zongzi as a starting point to drive the comprehensive development of the entire industry chain," said Luo Zhiyuhong, General Manager of Baiyu Food (Huizhou) Co., Ltd. He emphasized that the company's next steps include launching training programs for zongzi wrappers and exploring unique, village-specific recipes—not only for zongzi, but also for other traditional Huizhou delicacies that are in danger of fading away. "Our goal is to preserve and revitalize local culinary heritage while creating new opportunities for rural development," he added.
Since 2019, Guangdong Laoqu Ecological Agriculture Technology Co., Ltd. has been growing rice, beans, and other crops in Gaotan Town, drawn by its clean air and high-quality water. "Gaotan offers ideal conditions for cultivating premium zongzi ingredients," said Luo Mingxia, chairperson of the company. With the new cooperation agreements in place, Luo added that quality control will be further strengthened—boosting both the reputation and market reach of Gaotan's zongzi.
Today, Gaotan zongzi is enjoyed both across China and in Southeast Asia. Looking ahead, the town aims to further integrate resources, expand the industry chain, strengthen its brand, and drive sustainable local economic growth.
Reporter｜Zhang Guowei, Wu Tianyu
Photo｜Liang Weichun
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
