Nanyang's renowned Shedian Liquor recently enjoyed a moment in the spotlight at a special exhibition in the Palace Museum aimed at promoting longstanding Chinese brands.

Over 150 longstanding brands from 10 provinces across China showcased their products at the two-week exhibition, which concluded on Feb 10.

Shedian town in Nanyang used to act as a commercial hub in ancient times and served as a transfer station for travel routes across land and sea. As a result, the economy prospered and local liquor-brewing technology developed in the city.

The introduction of muddy pits for liquor fermentation ushered in a new era of brewing in the Central Plains region. The ancient muddy pits are still in use today, and have a history of 600 years. Due to its suitable climate and geography, Shedian became the founder of Central China's modern liquor industry.

It is said that Shedian town and the Palace Museum had a special bond. Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) once travelled to Shedian and was enticed by all the liquor permeating the bustling streets. There was a royal pub in town that served high-quality liquor made to impeccable standards, which was popular among social celebrities. The brewing technology of the royal pub has continued until today and is now listed as a provincial intangible cultural heritage item of Henan province.

The exhibition of Shedian liquor in the Palace Museum provides Henan with a great opportunity to show off its liquor and culture to the world.

A foreign tourist, interested in liquor from Shedian, Nanyang, Henan province, gets his photo taken by the booth. [Photo/news.01ny.cn]