Here’s one I’ve come across before but not in China, although I know it’s native to East Asia and does grow here. 水芹菜 (shuǐ qín cài), Oenanthe javanica. The Chinese name means ‘water celery’ although it is not related to celery. Other English names include the equally misleading Javanese waterdropwort, water dropwort, Indian pennywort, etc. In Korean, it is 미나리 (minari) and in Japanese, セリ (seri). Vietnamese uses cần nước and Thailand, ผักชีล้อม (phak che laawm).
Those stems are about 56cm / 22 inches long
This is not one to go picking from the wild. Most varieties of Oenanthe are toxic, some extremely so. It is considered an invasive species in some American states.
The taste is reminiscent of parsley but some people detect carrot flavours, too.
It can be used raw in salads but of course China cooks it. Usually in stir fries, but also in soups. It pairs well with chicken.
