An old street came alive as the Huangshan preliminaries of a culinary contest in East China's Anhui province kicked off on Sept 13, bringing together local chefs for a delicious celebration of Huizhou cuisine.

In the "Super Wan" (Wan is the short name of Anhui province) competition, eight teams from across Huangshan, a well-known tourist city in Anhui, competed side by side. They include seasoned master chefs, street food vendors, online influencers, and enthusiastic amateurs.

After several intense rounds, five outstanding chefs were selected for Huangshan's city team and will go on to represent the region in later stages of the competition.

The contest showcased the evolving identity of Huizhou cuisine. Alongside classics like stinky mandarin fish and fermented hairy tofu, new fusion creations appeared, such as a stinky fish pizza crafted by Adrien Brill from the United States, owner of a pizza restaurant in Huangshan, reflecting the openness and diversity of Huangshan's culinary culture.

In addition to food, the event integrated elements of local heritage. Traditional performances like lion dances, fish-shaped lanterns, and Nuo dance accompanied the cooking battles, alongside various booths, including traditional culture stalls, wellness-themed booths, and live-streamed product showcases.

Together, these experiences created not just a culinary competition but a celebration of Huangshan's unique blend of culture and modern life.