Many foreign tourists will marvel at the authentic Chinese cuisines in China. Chinese culinary cuisine is regarded as one of the richest cultural heritages in the world. In the long course of development in history, the Chinese evolved into a fabulous tradition and a dazzling array of cooking techniques. Chinese Particular with the choices of ingredients, subtle at the use of fire, bold in using natural materials and lavish on color combination and display format, true Chinese dishes never fail to intrigue foreign visitors. The difference in locality, climate, material availability and historical traditions has given rise to a wide variety of local delicacies and refreshments.

Local Cuisines

One theory claims that there are four major styles of cuisines in China

· Shangdong- Wide choices of ingredients, special soups and wonderful sea food dishes are often known in this cuisine style.

· Sichuan – Pungency is a salient feature of Sichuan dishes.

· Yangzhou – Representative cuisine of regions from the lower reaches of Yangtze River, especially in Zhejiang, Jiangsu provinces. Dishes made from freshwater ingredients are a salient feature of this cooking. It’s also known for a nice assortment of disserts and pastry exquisitely prepared in pleasant colors and beautiful shapes.

· Cantonese- Extensive range of materials makes this style special and exotic. Snake dishes, etc, are famous ones in this style.

Gourmet Dishes

· Imperial Dishes - Originated from imperial palace for the exclusive enjoyment of the emperors and empresses. Impeccable selection of ingredients, detailed attention to seasonal changes, meticulous ways of cooking and skillful use of kitchen knives. No effort is spared to preserve the natural hue, aroma, taste and shapes of the materials. The serving of imperial dishes follows highly stylized procedures.

· Vegetarian Dishes – The vogue started as early as Song Dynasty (420-478 AD). Many of the dishes are cunningly prepared so that can be mistaken for real meat for shape and flavors.

· Muslim Dishes – These dishes, prepared in the fine culinary traditions of northwestern and northeastern nomads in ancient time, become popular with the spread of Islamism into China. Roasted whole lamps are one of the trump cards among these dishes.

· Therapeutic Dishes –Medicinal dishes are designed to cure diseases or improve health through diets. Chinese master chefs have developed many food therapies by combining cooking with the theories of traditional Chinese medicine by adding suitable medicinal herbal or natural ingredients. Some of the famous therapeutic dishes include lily and chicken soup, shrimp meat with pearl power, etc.

A cup of tea at the beginning and a bowl of soup which is always the last course to serve are just some of the simple etiquettes for a fabulous multi-course Chinese dinner. You may not get the disserts at the end of the dinner in China which is different than that of the western customs, but here in China, you enjoy the complete art form of Chinese cuisine -color, aroma, taste and pattern all in one–the unique cultural and exotic styles that you don’t see in other places in the world. Enjoy yourself.