[1] It is considered one of the "Three Wonders of Luoyang"—a former Chinese capital located in Henan—along with the peony and the Longmen Grottoes.
It particularly suits the city of Luoyang, whose dry climate, mountainous terrain, and lack of fruit makes soupy meals an attractive option.
It is said that when Wu Zetian was in Luoyang, a giant turnip weighing tens of kilograms grew in Dongguan.
The imperial cooks studied it and decided to steam the shredded turnip mixed with starch, then blend it in a broth.
In October 1973, Premier Zhou Enlai accompanied the Prime Minister of Canada to Luoyang.
Chefs Wang Changsheng and Li Daxiong made the Swallow Dish and the two leaders ordered it twice.