China
2026.04.08 16:07 GMT+8

Wenchang Chicken: A taste of Hainan's heritage

Updated 2026.04.08 16:07 GMT+8
CGTN

Wenchang Chicken in Hainan traces its roots back to the Western Han Dynasty, with over 2,000 years of history. Legend has it that during the Ming Dynasty, a Wenchang official named Xing You brought his hometown chickens to the imperial court, where they became a royal favorite. What makes it so special? Its thin skin, tender meat and a silky texture that melts in your mouth. The ultimate way to enjoy it is poached, served simply with a tangy dipping sauce that lets the flavor shine. In 2009, Wenchang Chicken was named a Hainan provincial intangible cultural heritage. Today, this iconic dish has crossed oceans – from Hainan's street-side rice stalls to the famous "Hainan chicken rice" of Southeast Asia – becoming a taste of home for Chinese communities around the world.

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