Pepper-themed festival kicks off in Ningxiang

A pepper-themed festival kicked off on July 8 in Tanhe Ancient Town, Ningxiang county, playing off the myth that Hunan people don't fear chili peppers.

Tang Shuaihui, a Ningxiang local, took home the first-place prize in a pepper-eating contest by consuming a staggering 50 pod peppers in just one minute and eight seconds.

According to the organizer, pepper-eating contests are a way to demonstrate the hot and passionate character of Hunan locals.

A challenger eats pod peppers during the pepper-themed festival in Ningxiang county, Changsha. [Photo/rednet.cn]

Contestants sit in a water pool measuring 30 meters long and 15 meters wide and filled with 3 tons of pod peppers. The competition runs until the last day of the festival on Aug 31.

In addition, a water-splashing carnival, pepper-themed flash mob performances, and a parade will be held during the event.

Ningxiang county is home to the Tanheli Ruins, where more than 2,000 cultural relics from the Western Zhou Dynasties (c.11th century-771 BC), particularly the "Four Sheep Statue", were excavated. The ruins have been acclaimed as the "Center of Bronze Culture in South China".

Visitors will also be able to enjoy performances dating back to the Western Zhou Dynasty and relax at the various amusement facilities.

Contestants float in a pepper pool while participating in a pepper-eating contest on July 8 in Ningxiang county, Changsha. [Photo/Chinanews.cn]