HUBEI Province is located in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and to the north of Dongting Lake,China’s second largest freshwater lake.Due to its abundant water resources,Hubei earns its name as the province of 1,000 lakes,and the land of lotus root.Lotus root,a crunchy aquatic rhizome,is a favorite culinary ingredient for Hubei locals.A bowl of lotus root soup with pork ribs is usually served as a gesture of hospitality to guests.In winter,local households cook the soup on freezing days,and the soup’s unique aroma lingers over the streets,making the mouth of every passer-by water.Hubei locals go out to buy fresh pork ribs and lotus root at markets on cold winter mornings.Every family has a clay pot to cook the lotus root soup,and the clay pot is usually placed on a charcoal-fired stove.The stewed lotus root has a slightly sweet taste and a soft texture,with an aroma that draws people in.