Loess Plateau produces premium beef via cave-dwelling cattle
The cattle drink warm water kept above 18°C and are fed high-quality whole-grain forage. This carefully managed farming approach contributes to their tender texture, rich flavor, well-developed marbling and distinctive aroma, making Pingliang red cattle a premium beef breed in China.
Pingliang red cattle were recognized as China's first certified trademark for live cattle in 2008. According to the city's animal husbandry and veterinary bureau, each one can produce around 44 kilograms of premium cuts, including ribeye, tenderloin, sirloin and fillet, with both yield and quality superior to many other cattle breeds.
By the end of 2025, Pingliang's cattle industry had grown to a significant scale, with more than 1.1 million cattle raised across the city. The city has built 369 large-scale cattle farms, developed cattle-raising villages and standardized farms, and supported 17,000 farming households, according to the city's business bureau.
