Cuisine's role in identity under microscope as gateway to traditions, customs and values

Food has the power to bring people together, and culinary tourism provides a platform for cultural exchange and connection, while boosting the local economy.

Organized by local authorities, a just-concluded rural food festival in Baojing county, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture, Hunan province, demonstrated how food has become a gateway to different cultures, offering a glimpse into their traditions, customs and values.

Held from Nov 15 to Tuesday, the event showcased a fusion of distinctive culinary skills, local talents, agricultural products, and the cultures of different ethnic groups.

Every day, six teams from three different cities and prefectures in Hunan gathered to cook delicious dishes and demonstrate local arts.