The second season of A Bite of China, the popular documentary that debuted on TV in 2012, went on air on April 18. It has garnered a high online rating of 1.572 percent and invited more than 10 million hits on several mainstream video websites. Apart from presenting exquisite, mouthwatering dishes for urban banquets and giving life to simple home recipes, A Bite of China II also moved the audience with stories behind these dishes.

A Bite of China II was different from the first season because instead of focusing on the interpretation of food, it focused on the food habits of people who are always busy trying to earn money for the betterment of their families, explored the relationship between people and local food, and invited the audience to taste the bitter and sweet fruits of their toil and sweat.

The down-to-earth life and simple, traditional food of the ordinary people from different regions not only increase audience's appetite, but also fill their hearts with mixed feelings. The documentary reflects the social transition and people's changing life in China, and highlights the national character of frugality, perseverance and persistence.

Food touches viewers' hearts because of the experiences and stories of the narrators, some about family love and nostalgia, some about typical issues in modern society such as the impact of industrialization on people practicing traditional farming, migration of people and "left-behind children".

The secret of taste is love. Even the simplest food will taste heavenly if it is prepared with love.

(China Daily 04/25/2014 page9)