Mutton and History Draw Summer Crowds to Xiao County
Under the midsummer heat of Anhui Province, the 2026 Xiao County Fuyang Cultural Festival is transforming the local food scene into a regional spectacle. Running through August 4, the 21-day event leverages the county's deep-rooted mutton-eating traditions to anchor a broader push for tourism and economic growth.
The festival, which launched on July 15, centers on the local obsession with mutton soup, a dish now officially recognized on the Anhui provincial intangible cultural heritage list. Beyond the dining tables, the county has organized a series of performances at the Sports Center Square, featuring light shows and historical reenactments. The opening ceremony notably dramatized the life of Liu Yu, a Southern Dynasties emperor, blending folk music with street dance to connect the region's historical identity with its culinary reputation.
Activity has spilled far beyond the central square, with parallel events occurring in Shengquan Ancient Town, Huangcangyu Scenic Area, and Dai Lake Park. Artisans are showcasing traditional handicrafts like paper-flipping flowers and embroidery, drawing steady foot traffic to these satellite locations. This cultural surge supports a robust local economy, as Xiao County currently maintains an annual white goat output value of 2.4 billion yuan, solidifying its status as a primary hub for animal husbandry in Anhui.
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