Mr Zhao especially arranged for us to visit the Niu Lan Shan Distillery. The first thing that stimulated the senses when I alighted from the bus was the smell of fermented grains. The Niu Lan Shan Er Guo Tou (牛栏山二锅头) is famed here. The distillery has a long history, which is briefly described in the website, http://www.niulanshan.com.cn/. The original distillery was converted to a visitors' site. Niu Lan Shan appears to be pepper with sites that the Emperor Qianlong visited. In the distillery, there is a pavillion which the emperor allegedly rested during his tours. According to Mr Wan, the distillery contributes greatly to the economic development of the Shunyi district. It appears to be the habit to consume a bottle of "Er Guo Tou" at mealtimes. The impression that you get of the production at
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