Liang Xuhui, deputy Party secretary of Liuzhou, said the city government attaches great importance to the development of the luosifen industry, which is now worth more than 10 billion yuan ($1.43 billion) a year.

The production and sale of river-snail noodles have played an important role in the development of the city's economy, Liang said.

"The establishment of the luosifen school is expected to help advance the enterprise," Liang said, adding it would receive subsidies and policy support from the local government.

The dish takes its name from the broth, flavored with river snails, that ingredients such as rice noodles, pickled bamboo shoots, dried turnips, fresh vegetables and peanuts, are served in. The broth, when prepared properly, has a pungent odor due to the pickled bamboo.

An iconic dish in Liuzhou, packaged versions of the noodles became popular during the COVID-19 lockdown as its unique flavor and convenience won over customers staying inside their homes.