Chongqing - On October 27, the 15th China (Chongqing) Hot Pot Food Culture Festival, along with the 8th China (Chongqing) International Hot Pot Industry Expo, opens in Southwest China's Chongqing. This annual event is not only a significant gathering for the Chinese hot pot industry but also a beloved urban festival for the residents of Chongqing. 

On October 27, the 15th China (Chongqing) Hot Pot Food Culture Festival, along with the 8th China (Chongqing) International Hot Pot Industry Expo, opens in southwest China's Chongqing. (Photo/China (Chongqing) International Hot Pot Industry Expo)

The 15th edition of the Chongqing Hot Pot Festival is larger in scale, more extensive in activities, and higher in quality, showcasing the vibrancy of the Chinese hot pot industry and the unique charm of Chongqing as the "Hot Pot Capital of China."

With an exhibition area of nearly 100,000 square meters, this year's Hot Pot Festival in China brings together over one thousand hot pot industry chain enterprises. 

They display more than 50,000 varieties of hot pot specialty products, covering everything from upstream agricultural and livestock ingredients to midstream seasonings, condiments, pre-made dishes, beverages, equipment, and processed foods. The festival also features downstream hot pot restaurants, new retail delivery services, and related support services, offering a comprehensive view of the potential within the hot pot industry.

This year's Hot Pot Festival brings together over a thousand hot pot industry chain enterprises from all over China. (Photo/China (Chongqing) International Hot Pot Industry Expo)

Notably, the "City and District Features" pavilion at this year's Chongqing Hot Pot Festival brings together exhibitors from over ten special districts and counties in Chongqing, including Yubei, Hechuan, Pengshui, Jiulongpo, Wulong, Yuzhong, Qijiang, Fengjie, Youyang, Nan'an, Fengdu, Jiangjin, Liangping, and Tongliang. This showcases the deep roots of the hot pot industry in Chongqing and the profound culture associated with Chongqing hot pot.

Furthermore, representatives from various provinces, cities, and counties across the country have participated, highlighting the industry's inclusive nature and its allure for both local and distant visitors.

During the opening ceremony, ten major projects were signed, such as the construction of the Yubei Tianyou High-Quality Milk Project, with a total investment of 5.3 billion RMB. Representatives from various provinces, cities, and counties, such as Chongqing Yuzhong District, Yunnan's Huize County, and Sichuan's Zitong County, signed strategic cooperation agreements with the Chongqing Hot Pot Industry Association, enhancing the integration of urban specialty products and promoting the city's economic development.

Additionally, the Chongqing Liuyishou International Group signed an international strategic cooperation agreement with European partners, accelerating the expansion of the Chongqing hot pot into international markets.

Throughout the exhibition period from October 27 to 29, more than 20 professional events will be held, including the 2023 Hot Pot Specialty Ingredient Selection Conference, the 2023 China (Chongqing) Hot Pot Ingredient Industry Development Conference, the 2023 China Hot Pot Industry Innovation Conference, and the 2023 Restaurant Industry Summit of Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone. 

These events will unite experts and industry leaders worldwide, creating a platform for production and sales connections, information exchange, and trendsetting discussions in the Chinese hot pot industry. These discussions aim to explore new horizons for the hot pot industry's development.

The Hot Pot Exhibition and the "Hot Pot Feast for Thousands" have always been unique features of the Chongqing Hot Pot Festival. This year, the festival has gone a step further by bringing together more than 50 national hot pot brands to showcase their culinary expertise.

One of the notable features this year is the introduction of Dezhuang's new product, featuring a hot pot base with a spiciness level of 12 degrees. Dezhuang's "Big Hot Pot" is undoubtedly one of the festival's main attractions. It is the most giant hot pot in the world, with a diameter of 10 meters, a height of 1 meter, and a weight of 13 tons. It can accommodate up to 56 people for dining simultaneously. 

Dezhuang's "Big Hot Pot" is undoubtedly one of the festival's main attractions. (Photo/China (Chongqing) International Hot Pot Industry Expo)

During the Hot Pot Festival, visitors can experience a one-stop journey through the country's representative hot pot brands. They can choose their favorite hot pot brand on the spot and savor the unique cultural charm of Chongqing hot pot.