Mountains are lands bestowed with unique charm by nature, concealing countless culinary delights. These delicacies are not only a feast for the taste buds but also vivid carriers of local New Year traditions, embodying the culture and emotions passed down through generations.
As the Spring Festival approaches, every corner of the land and every household is preparing for this most important traditional holiday.
PART 01 Yanshan and Taihang Mountains: The Heartwarming Taste of Hebei’s New Year
Towering and majestic, the Yanshan and Taihang Mountains have nurtured the fertile land of Hebei. Here, the festive spirit is closely intertwined with food, with every dish carrying people's hopes and blessings for the New Year. Fried pork and Hun Pot from Shanhaiguan are must-have delicacies for Qinhuangdao locals during the New Year. The fried pork is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the steaming Hun Pot combines ingredients such as old chicken broth, pickled cabbage, and pork belly, creating an incredibly flavorful dish. Tangshan’s Hongyan Braised Pork Knuckle, renowned for its tender texture and rich taste without being greasy, is a star dish on the New Year’s Eve dinner table.
Source: Shanhaiguan Tourism and Culture
On the central Hebei plains, donkey meat and rice cakes are equally indispensable. Braised donkey meat is tender and flavorful, while donkey meat stew offers another delightful taste—soft, sticky, and aromatic. Rice cakes symbolize “rising higher every year,” and whether made from glutinous millet or sticky rice, they are loved for their unique sweet taste.
PART 02 Guizhou Mountains: A New Year Feast of Sour, Spicy, and Savory Flavors
Guizhou’s mountain cuisine is famous for its sour, spicy, and savory flavors. During the Spring Festival, dishes like spicy chicken, cured meat platters, and zaola fish make their appearance, adding a unique touch to the New Year’s Eve feast. Spicy chicken is made with free-range chicken, marinated, stir-fried, and stewed to achieve a firm texture and rich flavor. The cured meat platter features an assortment of sausages, bacon, and other cured meats, offering an irresistible aroma and lingering aftertaste. Zaola fish, a favorite among Guizhou locals, captivates with its tangy, spicy, and savory taste.
Source: Chishui Culture and Tourism
During the New Year, sweet treats like millet zha and eight-treasure rice are also beloved on the dining table. Millet zha, made primarily from glutinous millet, is cooked to a golden hue with a soft, sticky texture. Eight-treasure rice, prepared with sticky rice and assorted fruits, symbolizes reunion and happiness, offering a rich and satisfying taste.
PART 03 Gansu Dining Table: A Gathering of Traditional Delicacies, Full of Warmth and Joy
During the Spring Festival, Gansu dining tables are laden with traditional delicacies. Among them, the “Eight Great Bowls” is a must-have classic, featuring beef and lamb dishes such as clear-stewed mutton and braised yak meat. Lanzhou’s fermented meat, tender without being greasy, is uniquely delightful when sandwiched in lotus leaf buns. Sweet and sour fried meat slices are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a sweet and savory taste. Sweet fermented barley is refreshing and sweet, while hot stewed winter pears are perfect for cooling the body. Eight-treasure fortune bags symbolize good luck, and four-joy meatballs are a must for family reunions. Together, these dishes create a diverse, warm, and festive atmosphere on Gansu’s New Year dining tables.
Source: Intangible cultural heritage of Longshang
Additionally, Gansu’s cuisine includes cured meats, hand-grabbed meat, and other meat dishes. Made from high-quality local ingredients through processes like marination and cooking, these dishes boast tender textures and rich flavors. During the Spring Festival, they become an essential choice for people to savor the festive taste and feel the warmth of home.
PART 04 Yunnan New Year’s Eve Dinner: A Blend of Diverse Flavors and Auspicious Meanings
During the Spring Festival, Yunnan’s New Year’s Eve dinner is a vibrant feast combining sour, spicy, savory, and sweet flavors. Among the dishes, Dali’s sour and spicy fish stands out for its unique tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy taste, leaving a lasting impression. Cold chicken, served as a cold dish during the New Year’s Eve dinner, not only features tender, flavorful meat with golden skin but also symbolizes good fortune, embodying people’s best wishes for the New Year.
Source: people.com.cn
Furthermore, Yunnan ham is an indispensable delicacy on the New Year’s Eve dinner table. Renowned varieties such as Xuanwei ham, Nuodeng ham, and Laowo ham are thin-skinned, well-marbled, and exude an irresistible aroma when stewed. A simple dish of radish cooked with ham perfectly captures the essence of Yunnan’s New Year flavors, evoking a strong sense of hometown warmth.
Mountain flavors are at their peak during the festive season. These delicacies not only carry the taste memories of locals but also embody rich New Year traditions and customs. Which one is your favorite?
Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen
Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang
Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong
