People visit the Potala Palace square in Lhasa, Southwest China's Xizang autonomous region, Feb 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
A gourmet and cultural experience week is ongoing at Wanda Plaza in the eastern suburbs of Lhasa, capital of the Xizang autonomous region.
Taking place from Saturday to Friday and with the theme of "Winter Tour in Xizang, Taste Authentic Cuisine", the event has been curated by the region's department of culture and tourism and co-organized by the government of Lhasa, becoming a major tourism attraction.
Featuring over 100 food vendors and intangible cultural heritage creative enterprises from across the region, the event offers a sensory journey through the rich tapestry of Tibetan flavors and traditions.
From dried yak jerky to highland barley beer, Tibetan desserts and spicy chili sauces, the food exhibition area is a bustling hub where visitors can sample the diverse "Taste of Xizang" offerings.
Khadro, a salesperson from the guest room department of Lhasa Hotel, said that since the event kicked off on Saturday, their business on the first few days has been good.
"In addition to selling cultural and creative ethnic products, customers also like the bread, sausages and cured meat we produce and sell at the hotel," said Khadro, adding their stall also used the event to advertise the laundry services available at the hotel.
Xiao Yong, a manager of the hotel, said the culinary experience extends beyond traditional dishes, with innovative creations like barley bread, muffins, nut bars and savory yak meat receiving high praise from guests.
"For visitors, the event is not just about food but also a gateway to understanding Tibetan culture."
Ren Xiaodong, a vendor offering lamb skewers, offal, chive flower sauce and other products from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, aims to bridge culinary cultures and introduce Tibetan locals to the flavors of his region, fostering cultural exchanges through food.
"The dining cultures of the Inner Mongolian region and Xizang are similar, and I hope to spread the delicious food from our region to Xizang through such events," said Ren, adding such events have helped him to make his products known to more people in Xizang.
In addition to the gastronomic delights, the event showcases Tibetan intangible cultural heritage at dedicated exhibition zones. Designers like Adrol blend traditional elements with modern aesthetics, creating pieces like necklaces made of turquoise, red coral and silver, that captivate consumers with their unique fusion of styles.
"By displaying and enhancing the brand of highland characteristic cuisine and cultures, the event aims to boost urban commercial districts, and it also aims to enhance the city's nighttime consumption," Xiao Chuanjiang, an official form the region's department of culture and tourism, was quoted as saying by Xizang Daily. "The event also will provide citizens and tourists with more affordable, convenient and down-to-earth life experiences."
Xiao said the region will continue to strengthen the development of the "Taste of Xizang" brand in the future, and showcase Tibetan culture and tourism resources to the outside world to enhance the reputation of Tibetan cultural tourism.
Contact the writers at palden_nyima@chinadaily.com.cn
