As recorded in the "Essential Techniques for the Welfare of the People": "To make 'water-drawn' noodles and 'H…
As recorded in the "Essential Techniques for the Welfare of the People": "To make 'water-drawn' noodles and 'Hele' noodles, a 'press bed' is required. The bed is made from mulberry or pagoda tree wood, one chi wide, two chi long, with holes the size of chopsticks... Using the foot to press on it over boiling water, 'Water-Drawn' and 'Hele' noodles are made. 'Hele' noodles are kneaded to the size of a thumb, about five cun long. 'Water-Drawn' noodles are kneaded to the thickness of chopsticks, over one chi long. Both are kneaded until pliable, cut, placed into the holes of the bed, and pressed with the foot, causing them to fall into the water. Sought in the broth, they are done in a moment."
By the Song Dynasty, Hele noodles had become common street food. As "A Dream of Splendor" notes: "Exit the Vermilion Bird Gate, straight to Longjin Bridge... In summer... also sold are 'ma drink', fine vermicelli... packaged meals, heluo (Hele) noodles, and the like."