Chefs from Zhi Wei Guan, a time-honored local brand, makes xiaolongbao, or steamed buns, at the culinary showdown. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

The 2024 Hangzhou ICH Culinary Skills Challenge kicked off in Linping district on Oct 14, aiming to preserve and promote Hangzhou's food traditions, some of which have been listed as the city's intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items.

The event is a key part of this year's Hangzhou ICH Food Culture Week.

Signature dishes like Qianlong Fish Head, Qili Immortal Chicken, and Longmen Wheat Gluten filled the competition hall with their enticing aromas. For the contest's four categories, over 150 ICH inheritors churned out 33 traditional dishes, 36 snacks and pastries, 20 alcoholic beverages, and 47 creative ICH-inspired food gift designs.

In addition to focusing on traditional culinary techniques, participants shared stories behind ICH cuisine, highlighting its rich cultural significance. Winners were crowned in categories like Top 10 ICH Dishes, Top 10 ICH Snacks, and ICH Culinary Inheritance Awards.

A competitor makes snacks at the competition. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]