Explore secrets behind prowess of crickets from Shandong's county

[Video by Xu Xinyun for chinadaily.com.cn]

Ningjin county in Dezhou city, East China's Shandong province, is renowned as the origin of China's most formidable crickets. Situated on the southern edge of a relatively arid northern area, Ningjin crickets possess the tenacity and endurance typical of northern insects. They are fierce and resilient, with thick skin and strong jaws. Yet, they also boast the robust build of southern insects, featuring large heads, broad necks, round waists, and a tall, well-proportioned body. These characteristics enable Ningjin crickets to display a diverse and comprehensive biting technique in fighting, combining the explosive power of southern insects with the physical strength and relentless fighting spirit of northern insects.

Every year after the Start of Autumn, the 13th solar term of the year according to the traditional Chinese solar calendar, cricket enthusiasts from across the country flock to Ningjin to catch and purchase crickets. With their famous biting prowess and fighting skills, the crickets have turned into a "golden insect" for local farmers, with a single cricket selling for a few to several dozen yuan or even thousands of yuan. In Ningjin county's Chaihudian town, there is a saying: "In February, tens of thousands of households get rich, and a single cricket is worth its weight in gold."

Curious why Ningjin crickets are so formidable? Watch the video to find out! (Edited by Xu Xinyun and Du Xiaping)