湘莲 (Xiānglián): Hunan lotus seed

Meanings

1 Hunan lotus seed
2 Xiangtan lotus seed

Characters

湘

xiāng

Xiang (classical name for Hunan)

莲

lián

lotus

Examples

湘莲是湖南的特产。

Xiānglián shì Húnán de tèchǎn.

Xianglian is a specialty product of Hunan.

这碗银耳汤里加了湘莲。

Zhè wǎn yín'ěr tāng lǐ jiā le Xiānglián.

This bowl of snow fungus soup has Hunan lotus seeds added.

Tips

culture

湘 is the classical name for Hunan province. 湘莲 specifically refers to lotus seeds from Xiangtan (湘潭) — historically considered the highest-grade lotus seeds in China and a former imperial tribute. Used in sweet soups, mooncake fillings, and TCM.