The Chinese 8 Culinary Cuisines refer to the eight traditional regional culinary styles that showcase the country’s diverse food culture and cooking techniques. Each cuisine has its own unique flavors and characteristics, shaped by local geography, history, and customs. The Chinese 8 Culinary Cuisines are: Sichuan, Cantonese, Su, Shandong, Fujian, Hunan, Anhui, and Zhejiang.

1.Sichuan Cuisine

Sichuan cuisine hails from Sichuan Province and is famous for its bold, spicy flavors. It features a wide variety of dishes with complex seasonings, balancing fresh and rich tastes, often highlighted by a numbing spiciness. Sichuan cuisine can be roughly divided into three main styles:

  • Rong Cuisine: Centered around Chengdu and Leshan in western Sichuan, also known as the “Shanghe Gang”.
  • Yü Cuisine: Focused on the older eastern Sichuan areas like Dazhou, Chongqing, and Wanzhou, also known as “Xiahe Gang”.
  • Yan Cuisine: Centered in the southern city of Zigong, including dishes from Yibin, Luzhou, and Neijiang, renowned for its salt-based dishes.

💡 Representative Dishes: Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, Poached Spicy Slices of Pork, Yuxiang shredded pork, and more.

2.Cantonese Cuisine

Cantonese cuisine is one of the four major Chinese cuisines and originates from Lingnan. It’s known for its light, fresh, and delicate flavors. Cantonese cuisine includes three regional styles: Guangzhou cuisine (Cantonese), Chaozhou cuisine (Chaoshan), and Dongjiang cuisine (Hakka), each with its own distinct features.
💡 Representative Dishes: Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork), Roast Goose, White Cut Chicken, Shrimp Dumplings, Chicken Feet, and more.

3.Su Cuisine

Su cuisine is celebrated for its deliciousness, refinement, and beautiful presentation, emphasizing the natural flavors and freshness of the ingredients. It includes dishes from various regions such as Jinling (Nanjing), Huaiyang, Su-Xi, and Xu-Hai cuisines.
💡 Representative Dishes: Braised Lion’s Head, Squirrel Fish, Salted Duck, and more.

4.Shandong Cuisine

Shandong cuisine comes from Shandong Province and has a rich history and cultural heritage. It’s renowned for its delicious flavors, unique cooking techniques, and variety of dishes. This cuisine features three main styles: Jinan cuisine, Jiaodong cuisine, and Confucius Mansion cuisine.
💡 Representative Dishes: Sweet and Sour Carp, Four Treasures of Shandong Cuisine, and Braised Intestines in Brown Sauce, and more.

5.Fujian Cuisine

Fujian cuisine focuses on freshness and refinement, making excellent use of seafood and mountain delicacies. It balances salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors while preserving the natural taste of the ingredients. This cuisine is rooted in Fuzhou cuisine and blends in elements from other local styles in Southern and Western Fujian.
💡 Representative Dishes: Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Lychee Pork, Mactra Antiquata, and more.

6.Hunan Cuisine

Hunan cuisine hails from Hunan Province and is famous for its fresh, spicy, and fragrant flavors, reflecting the region’s diverse characteristics. It includes three main styles from the Xiang River region, Dongting Lake area, and the western mountains of Hunan.
💡 Representative Dishes: Chop Bell Pepper Fish Head, Yongzhou Blood Duck, and Zuan’an Tofu, and more.

7.Anhui Cuisine

Anhui cuisine is known for its savory flavors, focusing on the natural taste of ingredients and showcasing exceptional cooking techniques. It blends five regional styles: Southern Anhui, Wan jiang, Hefei, Huainan, and Northern Anhui.
💡 Representative Dishes: Hairy Tofu, Huizhou Stinky Mandarin Fish, Steamed Partridge, and more.

8.Zhejiang Cuisine  

Zhejiang cuisine reflects the unique characteristics of Jiangnan and has a rich history. It is celebrated for its light and fragrant flavors that highlight the natural taste of ingredients. This cuisine includes four regional styles: Hangzhou, Ningbo, Shaoxing, and Wenzhou.
💡 Representative Dishes: West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, Longjing Shrimp, Dongpo Pork, and more.


Tasting the authentic Chinese food during your China tour!