Shiqi Squab (young pigeon), a local delicacy of Zhongshan.[File photo/Zhongshan Economic Daily]

Data shows that Shiqi District has a history of over 100 years in raising pigeons. Early in 1915, fine breed pigeon was brought to Zhongshan from the US by overseas Zhongshan people. After polyculture and hybridization with local pigeons, a new variety was unexpectedly bred.

After that, pigeon farmers continued cross-breeding between this new variety and other exotic species. Up until the 1930s, another new variety featuring multiple advantages and suitable for local breeding was shaping up. Given the fact that these pigeons originated from Shiqi District and surrounding areas, they were named "Shiqi Pigeon".

At the south foot of Wuguishan Mountain, the breeding rooms of Zhongshan Shiqi Pigeon Farming Co Ltd are orderly arranged. Here is the largest Shiqi Pigeon breeding base in Zhongshan at present, exporting about 2 million squabs per year.

10 kilometers away in Sanxiang Town, the Zhongshan Hot Spring Resort was the place "Shiqi Squab", a local delicacy of the city, started to spread its fame. On the opening day in 1980, Zhongshan Hot Spring Resort feasted the guests with a dish "Braised Shiqi Squab". Soon after, "Shiqi Squab" earned a big name.

Up till now, "Shiqi Squab" is available in restaurants of different types across the city. Quite a few diners from Hong Kong, Macao and other places specially come to Zhongshan for a taste of this traditional delicacy. 

Recently, Zhongshan is applying for national Geographical Indication Product protection for Shiqi Squab. The application work will hopefully help analyze the history of Shiqi Squab and the Zhongshan culinary culture behind. (from Nanfang Daily)