Gourmets invited to take bite of Sichuan

The Sichuan Provincial Tourism Development Committee and Sichuan Provincial Department of Commerce are looking for gourmets from around the world for a local cuisine promotion. PHOTOS PROVIDED TO China Daily

The Sichuan Provincial Tourism Development Committee and Sichuan Provincial Department of Commerce are jointly looking for local and foreign gourmets to tour the province and sample local delicacies free of charge.

Foreigners that pass the screening process will also be featured in publicity materials promoting Sichuan cuisine following the tour.

To be considered for selection, applicants must be enthusiastic about food and have more than 20,000 followers on any social media platform. The deadline for applications is August 15.

Successful applicants will be expected to write articles, take photographs and shoot videos that will be used to help attract more visitors to Sichuan.

Hopefuls can sign up at sichuancuisine. org or via “Sichuan”, the official Facebook account of the Sichuan Provincial Tourism Development Committee.

Overseas-based candidates can apply online or at promotional sites in countries including the United States, Australia, Britain, Russia, Japan and South Korea.

At the end of August, the Sichuan Provincial Tourism Development Committee will evaluate and select candidates for the gourmet tour.

Sichuan cuisine is popular with both Chinese and overseas diners.

Joined by local gourmets and netizens, winners will be divided into several groups to visit different parts of Sichuan to taste the regions many delicacies. Their tour will be broadcast live on http://www.sichuancuisine.org and digital platforms.

They will visit Dujiangyan, a well-preserved irrigation system built in 256 BC, Mount Qingcheng and the Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture.

Mount Qingcheng, located in the city of Dujiangyan, is the birthplace of Taoism, an indigenous religion of China. Mount Qingcheng abounds in food associated with Taoism, while Aba is known for yak meat.

In addition, winners will visit the city of Ya’an, the Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture, and the city of Panzhihua where they can sample alpine freshwater fish, among other delicacies.

They will also travel to Emeishan and Leshan, which are famous for their snacks; Yibin and Zigong, which are renowned for salty food; and Nanchong and Guangyuan, which are well known for cuisine related to the Three Kingdoms.

After visiting all the destinations, the gourmets will share their experiences with local notables in the food and travel sector, as well as netizens and media representatives.

The top 10 gourmets will then be chosen and prizes awarded to those judged to have produced the best article, photograph and short video.

The gourmets’ materials will then be used to promote Sichuan and its cuisine worldwide.

A tourist samples local tea in Sichuan.

A foreign chef learns how to prepare ingredients for Sichuan cuisine.

Gongbao chicken (left), or diced chicken with peanuts.

huiguo rou, or boiled and stir-fried pork with salty and hot sauce, are Sichuan dishes.