Unravel Gaoyou's culinary charms

Gastronomes have been pondering: What makes the food in Gaoyou so delicious? This intriguing mystery takes visitors on a captivating journey to this county-level city in Yangzhou.

The vibrant red oil bursts from a Gaoyou double-yolked duck egg. [Photo/WeChat account: yzs_lyj]

Gaoyou is renowned for its delectable salted duck eggs, characterized by their tender whites and flavorful yolks. Five percent of Gaoyou duck eggs are double-yolked, a fact which can be attributed to Gaoyou ducks' superior genetics and Gaoyou Lake's thriving ecosystems.

The hairy crab is abundant with savory roes. [Photo/WeChat account: yzs_lyj]

Thanks to its pristine ecological environment, Gaoyou Lake has nurtured more than 60 aquatic species, giving rise to a variety of lake delicacies. Among them, plump and succulent shrimps as well as fresh hairy crabs are highly praised by locals and visitors alike.

Freshly steamed dumplings. [Photo/WeChat account: yzs_lyj]

Locals often spend their evenings strolling through markets, eating snacks such as freshly baked pancakes, wonton, and cattail-bag meat, while engaging in casual conversations with their friends or vendors.