A flock of Xianju chicken at a farm in Taizhou's Xianju county. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

Xianju chicken, also known as Meilin chicken, has recently obtained national recognition as a geographical indication (GI) trademark. The approval from the China National Intellectual Property Administration marks the sixth GI trademark for Xianju, joining the ranks of other renowned products like waxberry, pear, and pig.

Xianju chicken, which is native to the region, is considered the most representative local poultry species. Its name is derived from its preferred habitat in the waxberry orchards, where it spends a significant portion of its life.

This chicken breed stands out for its small size, dense feathers, and elegant appearance, resembling a gold ingot. It is also celebrated for its tender and delicious meat, adaptability to different environments, low feed consumption, and high egg-laying rate. The unique qualities of Xianju chicken led to its inclusion in the "National List of Protected Animal Genetic Resources" in 2006.

Over the years, Xianju chicken has garnered numerous accolades, including national pollution-free agricultural product certification, the gold award at the China International Agricultural Expo, Zhejiang provincial green agricultural product certification, and recognition as a famous brand product of Zhejiang.

The county sells nearly 2 million Xianju chicks each year to more than 20 provinces and cities throughout the country.

Looking to the future, Xianju aims to further boost the brand competitiveness of Xianju chicken. The goal is to solidify its position as a symbol of exceptional quality and authenticity in the poultry industry.