Nandan Yao Township black pig is a distinctive local pig breed from the mountainous areas of Hechi, Guangxi

The Nandan Yao Township black pig is a local black pig breed native to Nandan County, Hechi City, Guangxi. It is mainly distributed in the mountainous areas where the local Yao people live in concentrated communities, and it got its name from its long history of raising and its close connection with the production and daily life of Yao Township. Nandan has many mountains and dense forests, with a cool and humid climate, which provides a good natural environment for free-range raising of black pigs.

This pig breed has an all-black coat, a compact and sturdy body, tolerance to coarse feed, and relatively strong adaptability and disease resistance. Traditional farming is mainly free-range or semi-free-range; the herd forages year-round in the mountain forests for green grass, wild vegetables, and miscellaneous grains, supplemented with farm feed such as corn, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins. Because its growth rate is slower, its raising cycle is noticeably longer than that of ordinary commercial white pigs, and farming relies more on patience and experience.

Because of its high activity level and long growth cycle, the meat of the Yao Township black pig is firm and fine, with a moderate balance of fat and lean, a rich aroma, and suitability for both boiling and stir-frying. Local people often use it to make traditional cured and smoked products such as bacon and sausage. Black pig dishes are also commonly seen during festivals and important banquets, and the meat has long enjoyed a good reputation in nearby markets.

Today, the Yao Township black pig has become one of Nandan's distinctive agricultural industries. Through methods such as ecological farming and order-based purchasing, the local area has helped increase the income of the Yao people and has also allowed this local pig breed resource to be protected and sustained. When purchasing, consumers can pay attention to the place of origin information and farming methods to identify authentic Yao Township black pig products.