Ting Zai Congee (file photo)
In the past, western Guangzhou was known as Lychee Bay. Lychee tress grew on both sides of the river and the bay was therefore considered one of the eight wonders of ancient Guangzhou.
Back in those years, every summer evening the riverside would awaken with poets and residents walking along the banks, singing ballads and composing music. Poor boats owners would dock along the shore or row up to leisure boat offering a fresh bowl of congee filled with shrimps and fish. As the word "Ting Zai" in Cantonese means "boat", thecongee was later referred to "Ting Zai Congee". Today, this congee is famous across Guangzhou and can be found with jelly fish, fried peanuts, shallots, ginger and so on.
Modern Ting Zai Congee has been added many extra elements to attract customers. (Ycwb.com)
(Chen Xiaoting and David Keyton)
