🏮The True Diversity of Chinese Cuisine — A Gastronomic Map of Eight Cuisines

Chinese cuisine is divided into eight major cuisines (八大菜系), each with distinct cooking methods and flavors. Different climates, geographies, and ingredients lead to diverse flavor profiles. As of 2025, the Chinese culinary trend is a "revival of tradition and regionality." These eight major cuisines are once again attracting global attention. 🌶️Sichuan Cuisine (四川菜)｜The Intense Addictiveness of Mala (麻辣) Sichuan cuisine is the most famous of all Chinese cuisines. Its core ingredient is "mala (麻辣)," a combination of the numbing aroma of huajiao and the spiciness of chili peppers. Significant dishes include mapo tofu, gongbo chicken, and mala tang, all of which are widely enjoyed in Korea. #MalaTang #MapoTofu #SichuanTravel #ChinaTravel 🍲 Cantonese Cuisine (廣東菜)｜Fresh Ingredients and Gentle Flavors Cantonese cuisine is characterized by its light and gentle flavors, taking advantage of the region's abundance of seafood. Significant dishes include dim sum, wontons, and char siu, and its delicate touches have earned it the nickname "French-style Chinese cuisine." #CantoneseCooking #ChinaTravel #GuangdongDimSum #GuangdongFoodTour 🍜 Shandong Cuisine (山東菜)｜A Northern Cuisine with Rich, Rich Broths and a Strong Smoky Flavor Shandong Cuisine (魯菜) is the root of one of the eight major Chinese cuisines, and is characterized by its smoky flavors and rich broths. Thanks to the abundant ingredients found in the Yellow River region, seafood and meat dishes have flourished. Signature dishes include Ba Sao Hai Xian (braised green onions and sea cucumber) and Tang Chu Li Yu (sweet and sour carp). With its oily yet light and harmonious liver, it is considered the standard of northern cuisine. #ShandongCuisine ##ChinaTravel #Lucai 🍯 Jiangsu Cuisine (江苏菜)｜Clean and Refreshing Cuisine Developed in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, including Yangzhou and Suzhou, Jiangsu cuisine is renowned for its clear, refined liver and precise knife skills. Significant dishes include Yangzhou Fried Rice and Dongpoa (braised duck in soy sauce), and it is also the origin of "Chinese royal cuisine." #Jiangsu #JiangsuCuisine #Yangzhou 🍵 Zhejiang Cuisine (浙江菜)｜The Aesthetics of Subtle Fragrance and Balance Zhejiang cuisine, originating from the eastern region near Shanghai, is characterized by gentle liver that brings out the natural aromas. Significant dishes include West Lake Vinegar Fish and Dongpo Pork, beloved for their fragrant and refined flavors. #XuoChuWei #JiangSu #ChinaTravel 🌸Fujian Cuisine (福建菜)｜The Flavor of the Sea and Light Soups Fujian cuisine, thanks to its proximity to the sea, features a wealth of seafood-based dishes. The broths are clear and rich, and the cuisine is characterized by a harmonious blend of "smooth and savory." Significant dishes include Buddha Jumping Over the Wall (佛跳墙) and Sea Cucumber Soup (海禄). #FujianCuisine #ChinaTravel #ChineseSeafood 🔥 Hunan Cuisine (湖南菜)｜The Passion of Fire and Chili Peppers Hunan cuisine is a passionate cuisine that makes generous use of spicy chili peppers. While it uses fewer spices than Sichuan, it boasts a strong smoky flavor. Signature dishes include xiang larou and hong xiaoyu. This spicy flavor is familiar to Korean palates. #Hunan #HunanCuisine #ChinaTravel 🌿AnhuiCuisine (安徽菜)｜Natural Flavors and Depth of Traditional Cooking Anhui cuisine, due to its mountainous location, features many dishes made with wild greens, mushrooms, and vegetables. It's lean and healthy. Significant dishes include Huizhu Tofu and Steamed Wild Mushrooms, emphasizing the natural flavors of each dish. #AnhuiCuisine #ChinaTravel #AnhuiProvince ❤️ Eight Regions, Eight Philosophy The spicy flavor of Sichuan, the lightness of Guangdong, the saltiness of Shandong, the cleanliness of Jiangsu, the tenderness of Zhejiang, the savory flavor of Fujian, the fragrant aroma of Hunan, and the natural beauty of Anhui—all these combine to create the true diversity of Chinese cuisine. In 2025, taste the stories of eight regions in a single bowl of Chinese food🥢