CPPCC Voice: Opening Hotpot Museums Abroad to Promote Chinese Flavors across the World

By Yuling Chen, EDITOR

Yan Qi is a Member of the National Committee of CPPCC and the President of Chongqing Taoranju Group. She attended the National Two Sessions this year.

Yan Qi, Member of the National Committee of CPPCC and the President of Chongqing Taoranju Group (Photo from CQCB)

Mrs. Yan submitted the Proposal on Intensifying the Overseas Promotion of Chinese Flavors and Making it a New Namecard for China to Go Global. Yan Qi said that Chinese cuisines are popular around the world, but we still need to promote the culture. Taoranju Group plans to open “Hotpot Museums” in foreign countries to introduce the culture of Chinese food, especially Chongqing hotpot. Then, guests from home and abroad will enjoy hotpot in these museums.

Foreigners are enjoying hotpot. (Photo from CQCB)

George Bernard Shaw, a playwright, once said, “There is no love sincerer than the love of food.”

Yan Qi favors this quote and believes that delicacies know no border. In fact, the more authentic the food is, the more popular it will be in markets. “Chinese cuisines enjoy profound and deep history, highlighting the colors, aromas, and tastes. The unique food culture is a significant part of the splendid cultures of China.”

“People across the world welcome Chinese cuisines so much. However, we still a long way to go to enable the Chinese flavors to go global.” Yan Qi thinks that it is hard to serve our delicacies overseas for the complicated raw materials and spices. They also need managers and technical personnel and joint efforts in tapping into overseas markets.

In 2015, 36 female bosses in Chongqing cooperated in opening the Tianxiayan Hotpot Museum in Chongqing. By showcasing the utensils about Chongqing hotpot, it presents the related history and culture. While having hot pot, the visitors can also enjoy performances of face-changing and fire-blowing and others about the folk culture.

This year, Yan Qi plans to go to Canada, Australia, and other countries for market exploration. She will cooperate with the local overseas Chinese in venturing into business abroad. They will open “Hotpot Museums” there to enable guests to understand the culture of Chongqing hotpot while enjoying this delicacy.

Source: CQCB