Spanish traveler enjoys summer mutton in Xuzhou, E China's Jiangsu

Spanish traveler Alvaro Lago tastes Xuzhou-style mutton broth in Xuzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, August 1, 2025.  (People's Daily Online/Yu Liang)

Spanish traveler Alvaro Lago recently got a taste of Xuzhou's thousand-year-old tradition of steaming mutton broth at a local restaurant in Xuzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province.

The tradition traces back to Pengzu, who is considered China's originator of health preservation, a legendary longevity figure from Xuzhou. Ancient stone carvings from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) at the Xuzhou Museum depict scenes of mutton being cooked. Locals say eating mutton during the hottest days of summer helps drive out cold and dampness from the body, following the Chinese medical principle of curing winter ailments during summer.

The tradition has developed into the Fuyang Festival since 2002 and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2021. Fuyang, literally meaning "summer mutton", sees Xuzhou residents gather with friends and family each summer to share mutton dishes as temperatures peak, blending ancient wellness customs with modern festivities.

A chef simmers mutton broth in Xuzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, August 1, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Yu Liang)

Xuzhou's mutton broth is known for its rich, milky-white color. (People's Daily Online/Yu Liang)

Photo taken on August 1, 2025, shows Fuyang specialty dishes in Xuzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. (People's Daily Online/Yu Liang)

Spanish traveler Alvaro Lago samples Fuyang specialties in Xuzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, August 1, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Yu Liang)

Spanish traveler Alvaro Lago toasts local diners with steaming bowls of mutton broth in Xuzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, August 1, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Yu Liang)