The 2026 Intangible Cultural Heritage Flour-based Cuisine Festival took center stage in Shanxi province from July 31 to Aug 17, showcasing the province's rich flour-based culinary heritage and blending millennia-old culinary traditions with summer cultural tourism experiences.

Chefs from various cities and districts compete at the festival. [Photo/Shanxi Economic Daily]

The festival featured two main venues: Xiaoyi's Linshui Flour-based Food Town and Shuozhou's Chongfu Temple Square. Events such as the Bun Championship and the Oat-based Dish Cooking Skills Contest drew chefs from various cities and districts, bringing traditional skills to life for enthusiastic audiences.

Beyond the competitions, the heritage flour-based cuisine market was bustling with activity. Stalls filled the air with the aroma of diverse dishes and traditional snacks, attracting visitors eager to taste and experience the unique charm of Shanxi's intangible flour-based food heritage. 

Oat-based dishes are made at the festival. [Photo/Shanxi Economic Daily]

The festival also seamlessly integrated cultural performances with food-making demonstrations, featuring folk events like the Linyi suona horn and puppet shows, offering attendees an immersive cultural experience.

Many restaurateurs noted that the festival provided a platform to showcase and exchange traditional skills, drawing large crowds and highlighting the synergy between culinary arts and cultural tourism.

By combining professional competitions, public engagement, and consumption, the festival promoted Shanxi's flour-based food culture, injecting continuous vitality into the summer tourism market and allowing ancient intangible heritage to shine anew in the modern era.