Turning Sweet Potatoes into a Major Industry: Chongqing’s Wulong Builds the Brand of ‘China’s Hotpot Sweet Potato Noodle Capital’
«As a specialty hot pot ingredient, Wulong sweet potato noodles have covered 80% of Chongqing hot pot restaurants nationwide and are deeply loved by consumers.» During the press conference for Chongqing · Wulong «Hometown of Chinese Hot Pot Sweet Potato Noodles,» it was stated that the local area has turned small sweet potatoes into a major industry, forming a billion-yuan industrial cluster, with products exported to 16 countries and regions.
Wulong is located in the Wuling Mountain area, with a subtropical humid monsoon climate. The annual average temperature is 17°C, with an annual precipitation of 1,100 mm and a daily temperature difference of up to 12°C. The forest coverage rate in the region is as high as 67.6%. The unique climate and geographical conditions produce high-quality Wulong sweet potatoes. Wulong sweet potatoes are rich in protein, starch, pectin, cellulose, and various minerals, making them an excellent raw material for sweet potato noodles.
«As a Chongqing municipal intangible cultural heritage, the craftsmanship of Wulong sweet potato noodles has been passed down for seven generations, with folk techniques inherited for over 300 years.» It was mentioned that traditional techniques not only preserve the nutritional components of sweet potatoes but also give the noodles a unique texture and flavor. With their «soft, chewy, and durable even after long cooking» quality, Wulong sweet potato noodles have become an indispensable specialty in Sichuan and Chongqing hot pot.
Currently, the sweet potato cultivation area in Wulong remains stable at 200,000 mu, with an annual output of nearly 300,000 tons. The local area collaborates with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences to develop new varieties, breed virus-free seed potatoes, test new varieties, and tackle fresh noodle preservation technology.
«We are strengthening cooperation with the Chongqing Hot Pot Industry Association to enhance the brand of ‘Hometown of Chinese Hot Pot Sweet Potato Noodles’ and fully create the consumption scenario of ‘sweet potato noodles in hot pot.'»
The local goal is set: by 2027, the sweet potato cultivation area will remain stable at over 200,000 mu, with a variety improvement rate of over 90%, processing conversion rate and commercialization rate both reaching over 50%, annual production of fresh sweet potatoes exceeding 350,000 tons, and comprehensive output value surpassing 1 billion yuan.
Wulong sweet potato noodles
Wulong sweet potato noodles are a traditional food product originating from Wulong District in Chongqing, China. They are made from locally grown sweet potatoes and have a history of being a staple food for centuries in the region. The noodles are celebrated for their chewy texture and are a significant part of the local culinary heritage.
Chongqing hot pot
Chongqing hot pot is a famous Chinese culinary tradition originating from the city of Chongqing, with a history dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties when it was a meal for boat laborers along the Yangtze River. Characterized by its intensely spicy and numbing broth, flavored with Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers, it has evolved into a communal dining experience central to the region’s food culture.
Wulong
Wulong is a district in Chongqing, China, renowned for its dramatic karst landscapes, including natural stone bridges, gorges, and the spectacular Furong Cave. Its geological history spans over a billion years, shaped by water erosion to form its unique topography. The area gained international fame after serving as a filming location for the movie *Transformers: Age of Extinction*.
Wuling Mountain
Wuling Mountain is a scenic area located in Hunan Province, China, renowned for its spectacular quartz-sandstone peaks, lush forests, and deep ravines. It is part of the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 for its outstanding natural beauty and geological features. The region has a long history, with many of its formations dating back hundreds of millions of years and featuring in local Chinese culture and folklore.
Chongqing municipal intangible cultural heritage
Chongqing municipal intangible cultural heritage refers to the living cultural traditions officially recognized and protected by the Chongqing municipal government. This designation covers a wide range of practices, including traditional music, dance, rituals, festivals, and craftsmanship that are unique to the Chongqing region. The program aims to preserve these important elements of local culture and history, many of which have been passed down through generations, for future generations.
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) is China’s national, comprehensive agricultural research organization, founded in 1957. It plays a pivotal role in developing the country’s agricultural policies and driving scientific innovation in fields like crop breeding and sustainable farming. Its research has been fundamental in achieving national food security and modernizing China’s agricultural sector.
Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences
The Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences is a modern research institution dedicated to advancing agricultural science and technology in the Chongqing municipality. While it does not have a long, ancient history, it was established to address the agricultural needs of the region, focusing on areas such as crop breeding, soil science, and sustainable farming practices to support local food security and rural development.
Chongqing Hot Pot Industry Association
The Chongqing Hot Pot Industry Association is a professional organization established to promote and regulate the city’s iconic hot pot culinary tradition. It was formed to help standardize practices, foster innovation, and protect the cultural heritage of Chongqing hot pot, which has a history dating back centuries to the Ming and Qing dynasties when it began as a meal for boat laborers along the Yangtze River. Today, the association plays a key role in supporting businesses and organizing events to celebrate this globally recognized cuisine.