The Italian embassy and several partners have organized what is intended to be an annual Italian Food Week across China, with a series of dining, films and related cultural events through Nov 29. Locations include restaurants and other venues in Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Xi'an. A broad spectrum of events will feature wine and balsamic vinegar tastings, dinners, movie nights and seminars on wine and food.

The program wraps up with presentations at the Guangzhou International Gastronomy Festival from Nov 27 to Dec 5.

The initiative for the events was launched in March, says Ettore Francesco Sequi, Italy's ambassador to China, citing "the priorities of Expo Milano 2015: quality, sustainability, culture, food security, right to food, education, identity, territory, biodiversity."

Cuisine is culture, Sequi says.

"The Italian kitchen and its typical food products are in fact part of the culture of our country and speak of Italy to millions of people around the world," he says. "But there's more. China and Italy are also united by the value attributed to conviviality, to eat together to meet and share moments and emotions, with family and with friends."

The program has been organized by the Italian embassy and consular network, the Italian Cultural Institute and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China.