From Dongchuan the Land of Copper and Noodles
Dongchuan means “East River” in Chinese, and it was named after the Dongchuan River that flows through it. Dongchuan is located on the northeast side of the Yunnan province. The geography of Dongchuan is mountainous and filled with valleys. The height difference can go quite extreme, from the bottom of the valley to the top of a mountain the height difference can be more than 3000 meters.
The gigantic mountains are a curse and a blessing. Geography become an obstacle to travel. However, there are great treasures laid within those mountains, which are enormous copper mines. The pillar industry of Dongchuan had been copper mining for centuries. The mining in Dongchuan started to boom in the late Ming and early Qing Dynasty, which was around the beginning of the 17th century. In the later Qing dynasty, mining reached its peak, which supplied most of the metal for minting coins in the Qing dynasty. Dongchuan is referred to as “Tongdu”, which means “the capital of copper” in direct translation.
As the industry boomed, many miners traveled from the northern part of China to Dongchuan. They brought their culinary habits and noodle-making techniques from northern China. For centuries, the inhabitants of Dongchuan have been perfecting their noodles. It has already become an important culture and culinary heritage in Dongchuna, which is recognized by many food connoisseurs in the Yunnan province.
A Tour in Our Workshop
It all begins with an idea of making quality noodles.
Noodle Culture in China
Noodles have played a significant role in Chinese cuisine for thousands of years, and they hold immense cultural and culinary importance.
Noodles have a long history in China, with evidence suggesting their existence as far back as 4,000 years ago. Legend has it that Chinese noodles were first made during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 CE). They have since become a staple in Chinese cuisine.
Chinese noodles come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and textures. The variety of noodles is often region-specific, with different provinces having their own traditional noodle dishes.
Noodle shops, both large and small, can be found throughout China. Street vendors often sell various types of noodles, providing convenient and delicious meals for locals and tourists alike.
Noodles are also associated with good luck and longevity in Chinese culture. They are often eaten during celebratory occasions, such as birthdays and weddings. The long strands of noodles symbolize a wish for a long and prosperous life.
The Spring Water of
Gu Niu Peak
There is one component that other noodle makers cannot adapt is the water we use. We use spring water from the White Cloud Cave of Gu Niu Peak, which contains a lot of microelements that are good for health such as zinc.
Gu Niu Peak is the highest mountain in the Wu Meng mountain range. The purity of such water is without a doubt the best among all the other noodle makers in Dongchuan.