Pickled and roast donkey meat from Changzhi city [Photo/shanxi.gov.cn]

Pickled and roast donkey meat made from donkey meat and various spices is a popular dish in Changzhi city in the south of North China's Shanxi province. 

Originating from the Tang Dynasty (618-907), this traditional cuisine is known as one of three treasures of Changzhi. It was once a royal court tribute and gained popularity in Beijing, Tianjin and Nanjing cities from North to East of China during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. 

The donkey meat is fat but not greasy, has a fragrant aftertaste and is also said to have certain beneficial effects, as more than 20 kinds of herbs and spices are added during the preparations.