China's Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Showcases 118 Traditional Culinary Items in Chongqing
The ninth China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo is underway in Chongqing, southwest China, with traditional regional cuisine attracting considerable attention.
The exhibition, which opened on November 6 and runs through November 10, has brought together more than 890 representative intangible cultural heritage projects from across the country.
One of the expo's major attractions is a food-themed section covering approximately 6,000 square meters. It features 118 culinary heritage items, including traditional dishes, preparation techniques and regional food customs.
Visitors can watch cooking demonstrations, sample traditional foods and learn about the history and cultural traditions associated with them.
Featured specialties include Chongqing hotpot, the Luoyang Water Banquet from Henan Province and Sichuan's bobo chicken, a dish consisting of chicken and other ingredients served on skewers with a seasoned sauce.
The exhibition also highlights traditional Chinese ideas about eating seasonal foods and making careful, efficient use of ingredients.
A distinctive feature of the expo is the opportunity for visitors to meet heritage practitioners face-to-face, watch live demonstrations and participate in hands-on activities.
Among the participants is Xie Yuan, a practitioner of the traditional Taoyuan ground tea custom from Hunan Province.
The beverage combines five flavors — sweet, sour, bitter, spicy and salty. Its preparation is associated not only with culinary craftsmanship but also with local customs of hospitality.
Xie introduces the traditional drink to younger audiences through new products and social media videos. Her online content also explores rural culture and life in her home region.
According to Xie, Taoyuan ground tea is more than a preparation technique: it is a way of life and a traditional means of welcoming guests. By using modern communication formats, she hopes to preserve the custom and introduce it to a new generation.
As reported by SSTV+, the ninth China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo in Chongqing features more than 890 cultural heritage projects, including 118 culinary traditions. Visitors can explore regional cuisine and meet practitioners preserving traditional food preparation methods.
