Chinese goldfish swim their way to world cultural heritage

"Goldfish are rooted in the kind hearts and positive minds of people. Where there are people, there are goldfish," said Huang Hongyu, head of the Beijing Fish Keepers Society, at the venue of an exhibition titled "Palace Garden Selections: 2024 Imperial Goldfish Exhibition."

The 14-day exhibition kicked off on Monday in Prince Kung's Palace, an imperial building that has been standing along the recently announced world heritage site, Beijing Central Axis, for over 200 years. It is co-organized by the Beijing Aquatic Product Technology Promotion Department and supported by staff and volunteers from the Beijing Fish Breeding Innovation Team and the Beijing Fish Keepers Society.

Gathering 300 goldfish of 36 species from nationwide goldfish farms, this event introduces both the history and the aesthetics behind this unique living cultural relic – the Chinese goldfish. By showcasing different goldfish icons in four historical periods, it illustrates how goldfish culture originates from and is connected to the historical city of Beijing.

The selective breeding of goldfish in China began more than 1,000 years ago, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). At that time, affected by the religious belief of not killing living creatures, people released aureate crucians in temple ponds as an act of kindness. These crucians, growing under protection, gradually became a domestic breed during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). After generations of cultivation, ornamental goldfish flourished in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and reached their peak in the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) with nearly 300 species.

As one of the major origins of goldfish culture, Beijing has an 800-year-old tradition of appreciating and raising them. From imperial family members to common folk, people have long kept goldfish and considered them as symbols of wealth and comfort. 

Beijing is renowned for cultivating two distinctive goldfish species: the Oranda Redcap and the King Tigerhead. The Oranda Redcap is known for its elegant, slender white body and a striking deep-red headgrowth. In contrast, the King Tigerhead has a shorter body with a gently curved back and a unique headgrowth marked by a special cleavage, resembling the Chinese character "王," meaning "King."

Nowadays, most of the fish from the two species descend from the fish raised by the goldfish master Liu Jingchun, Huang told CGTN.

Both species will be featured in a dedicated section during the exhibition to honor Liu, who is also the author of "Chinese Goldfish Culture."

Goldfish are admired not only in China but around the world. They were brought to Japan about 500 years ago. The name Ranchu, often referred as the "king of goldfish" by the Japanese, originates from east Fujian dialect luan chong, meaning "egg-shaped worm" due to its appearance. In the 17th century, goldfish were introduced to Europe and by the 19th century, they had gained popularity in America. Today, goldfish farms are also seen in Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

"Affected by differences in climate and raising environment, various countries have developed distinct standards of appreciation," Huang explained. "Goldfish enthusiasts in America and Southeast Asia prefer large body sizes and brighter colors. In contrast, Chinese goldfish breeders value a round and smooth appearance, while Japanese goldfish lovers favor a squarish body shape."

This marks the third year that Prince Kung's Palace has hosted goldfish exhibitions. The event, which runs till October 13, brings an autumn vibe and recreation to Beijing citizens during the 75th National Day holiday.

(Cover: King Tigerhead goldfish swim in a wooden barrel at Prince Kung's Palace during the "Palace Garden Selections: 2024 Imperial Goldfish Exhibition," Beijing, China, October 1, 2024. /CGTN)