Shuangjiang Ancient Town, Tongnan District, Chongqing

By Keqiao Cheng, EDITOR

Chongqing - How many kilograms of ciba (a Chinese glutinous rice cake) could a 25-ton mortar make once? The Chinese New Year Custom Culture and Tourism Festival 2019, kicked off on the 21st in Tongnan District, will give you the answer.

At the same occasion, the UK-based World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) approved “Shuangjiang Mortar” as the largest of its kind in the world.

25-ton tool

The mortar, known as "duiwo" in Shuangjiang, is a living tool for the locals to pestle glutinous rice and food grains in the old times. The duiwo consists of three major components: a mortar, a pestle, and a handling frame.

The WRCA-certified “Shuangjiang Mortar” is 1.58 meters high and 2.15 meters wide, with a 5.8-meter-high handling frame.

Mr. Tan Xing, the President of Tongnan District Tourism Development and Investment Group, said the 25-ton mortar is made of 60-ton original stone materials.

On the scene, a certification officer confirmed the dimensions after measurement. The relevant staff poured 250-kg steamed glutinous rice into the duiwo. A total of 132 people, who were divided into several groups, jointly operated the world's largest mortar. The atmosphere was passionate amidst the traditional work song, folk song, and dance.

After that, the certification officer announced that the “Shuangjiang Mortar” has won the WRCA certification.

Chinese New Year in Shuangjiang

The Chinese New Year Customs Culture and Tourism Festival 2019 will last until February 19th. During the festival, Tongnan District will launch a series of events.

A typical dish of local food of Tongnan

Visitors may witness the group wedding ceremony in a Han Dynasty style. The ancient street market in Shuangjiang Ancient Town will be a good place to experience the shopping in ancient times. The Guan Yu Temple Fair will deliver the traditional float parade and lion dance. The traditional Shuangjiang Hundred-Family Banquet and Long Table Banquet will be the best way for experiencing Chinese New Year.

Besides, the much-anticipated 12th Tongnan Rapeseed Flower Festival will kick off in Chongkan Flower Sea from March 1 to 31.

Source: CQCB