Chongqing specialty foods are on display at the carnival. (Photo/Zheng Ran) 

Chongqing - Hotpot, noodles, spicy street snacks and regional specialties take center stage as the 2026 Chongqing Food Carnival opens today. Under the theme “360 Bowls of Chongqing Flavors for Every Table,” the four-day event turns the city into a showcase of western China’s rich food culture, while boosting industry cooperation, international consumption and cultural exchange.

Guests view Chongqing specialty food samples at the carnival opening ceremony. (Photo/Ran Zheng)

Covering around 10,000 square meters, the carnival brings together signature dishes from Chongqing’s 37 districts and counties and culinary resources from 12 western provincial-level regions. Visitors explore Chongqing cuisine, regional Chinese specialties, international dishes, and local seasoning products, highlighting the city’s growing role as an emerging international food hub.

As Chongqing’s flagship food brand, “360 Bowls of Chongqing Flavors” covers signature dishes, home-style cooking, Jianghu cuisine, snacks, and intangible cultural heritage foods. The brand now includes hundreds of experience stores, demonstration outlets, flagship restaurants, and themed food streets across the city.

This year’s carnival features nine themed events, including culinary competitions, industry forums, brand launches, food tastings, and public interaction activities. Chefs from western China take part in live cooking exchanges, while industry leaders discuss food innovation, cross-sector integration, and the international development of western cuisine.

Rongchang braised goose on display. (Photo/Ran Zheng)

Pengshui chicken pudding on display. (Photo/Zheng Ran)

Wanzhou grilled fish on display. (Photo/Ran Zheng)

Beyond food, the event, as part of the 8th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade, also includes supply-chain exhibitions, financial matchmaking services, cultural performances, and immersive consumer experiences. Organizers say the carnival is designed not only to celebrate Chongqing’s rich food culture, but also to support the high-quality development of the catering industry and further raise the global profile of Bayu cuisine.