Huaping specialty—Panzhihua- legend of kapok (the first version)

华坪特色菜—攀枝花-木棉传说（版本一）

In ancient times, a legend has it that a hero named Ji Bei led people of Li people to resist foreign aggression and distinguished himself many times at the risk of his life for which he won the heartfelt support of the general public. Later on, he was betrayed by a traitor and trapped in the mountains. Although hit by a few arrows, he stood erect on the peak and became a kapok tree. The arrows and blood turned into branches and blackish red flowers respectively. In memory of him, the later generation called kapok tree “Ji Bei” and tree of hero respectfully. To further express their love for the ethnic hero, people of Li will plant a kapok tree with much care on every wedding day.