2019 "Splendid Hunan"：Taste of Hunan

On October 26, 2019, the “Splendid Hunan” Taste of Hunan event was successfully held at Pasadena by the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. Wang Jin, Consul and Head of Cultural Office from the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China; Chen Xianchun, director of the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism; Ning Wu, director of China National Tourism Office, LA; Terry Tornek, mayor of Pasadena, Anthony Fellow, PCC Trustee, Kevan Hall, Fashion Designer, Dr. Gay Yuen, President of Chinese American Museum, Dan Witzling, Executive Director American Cancer Society and other honorable VIP guests attended this event, and experienced the unique charm of Hunan cuisine together.

Wang Jin, Consul and Head of Cultural Office from the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China, firstly delivered a speech. She said that both China and the United States are major countries with enormous cultural tourism resources. Sino-US cooperation in cultural tourism can not only promote the prosperity and development of cultural tourism in both countries, but also have important significance in promoting mutual understanding and friendship among people. Hunan is a major cultural tourism province with profound history, rich culture, beautiful scenery and abundant natural resources. Hunan cuisine is also well received by many people. I hope that through this program, our American friends will know more about Hunan and visit Hunan to experience and see the "Splendid Hunan".

Chen Xianchun, director of the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, said that Hunan Cuisine, also known as Xiang cuisine, is one of the Eight Traditional Cuisines in China. Hunan cuisine was formed in Han dynasty, consisting of cuisines from the Xiang river, Dongting Lake and western Hunan Province. The beauty of Hunan is not only in the delicious food, but also in the magnificent scenery and rich culture. Everyone is welcomed to visit Hunan for sightseeing, and tasting the delicious food.

Terry Tornek, mayor of Pasadena said that Pasadena is a culturally diverse city. The city warmly welcomes “Splendid Hunan” to the United States, which allows people from different backgrounds to learn and experience the authentic Hunan culture.

As a highlight of the event, Hunan Cuisine chefs cooked some authentic Hunan dishes and snacks in the "Taste of Hunan" program, such as Mao's red braised pork belly, Dong'an (boneless) chicken, double pepper fish fillet, Brown sugar baba, wick cakes, and the eight fantasticalities of Hunan. In addition, the three intangible cultural heritage showcases, including Hunan Dark Tea Performance, Xiangtan Shadow Puppetry, and Hunan Embroidery, allowed the guests to interact with and learn more about Hunan culture.

There was also a lucky draw session, where guests had the chance to win Hunan Embroidery products. Hunan Embroidery products is a historical heritage of Hunan Embroidery with a history of over 2,000 years.

"Splendid Hunan" series in Los Angeles has gained significant attention from the society. At the same time, multi-channel promotion allowed more people to learn about “what is Hunan”. There will be two more culture and tourism promotion events at Mexico and Dominican Republic on October 29th and October 31st, respectively.