As restaurants with elaborate themes and creative services continually emerge on the streets of Taiyuan, capital city of Shanxi province, delicious food is no longer the only factor that attracts people to an establishment.
Many operators have introduced folk performances in restaurants with the aim of improving the ambiance for diners.
Most of the performances are based on the local culture, which combined with local food, provides a unique experience for diners.
For instance, in a restaurant on Changfeng Street in Taiyuan, some customers will sing along to music with performers dressed in ethnic costumes singing Shanxi folk songs, while others take photographs.
"The combination of traditional culture and modern food is certainly an innovation in the catering industry," said Di Yuanping, an expert from the Tourism College of Shanxi.
"It is a win-win strategy which entertains customers and increases companies' profits at the same time," Di added.
Di also pointed out that the primary duty of the catering industry still lies in food quality.
"Any forms of innovation are premised on the basis of good food. Catering businesses must work hard to improve their food quality and meet customers' demands," Di said.
