Taoyuan promotes Hakka cuisine as China Travel Group reports tourism growth

The Taoyuan City Government has released its list of 36 star-rated Hakka food establishments. The selection process involved ten experts, including artists and food bloggers, who acted as secret inspectors to evaluate local traditional rice-based dishes. Notable recipients include the five-star rated ‘A-Po’s Hakka Flavor’ and the three-star ‘Peng Chun-mei Mochi’. The city aims to promote Hakka culture through these culinary traditions and plans to collaborate with universities to develop Hakka-themed school lunch menus.

Separately, China Travel Group reported significant growth in its scenic area business during the first half of the year, driven by natural and cultural tourism sites. However, the company noted a ‘K-shaped’ divergence, as some theme parks in Shenzhen experienced declines due to aging products and increased competition. The group is currently working on upgrading theme park products to focus on ‘emotional value’ and is proceeding with the orderly spin-off of its Hong Kong and Macau cultural and entertainment business.