Iconic foods from 11 cities across Zhejiang province are honored at the opening ceremony of the culinary festival on May 15. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

The 2024 "Delicious Zhejiang" Culinary Festival began at Hangzhou's Wulin Square on May 20, launching a year-long series of events celebrating Zhejiang's rich culinary heritage.

The opening ceremony featured the award presentation for the Zhejiang Classic Cuisine Competition and unveiled a list of iconic foods from 11 cities across the province. Additionally, the event introduced digital collectibles of Zhejiang cuisine and a 2024 culinary event map, adding a digital and interactive dimension to the festivities.

Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of Zhejiang delicacies and daily immersive performances that recreate the bustling atmosphere of Song Dynasty (960-1279) street life, enhancing the cultural experience.

The culinary festival runs from April to June, with the main events and exhibitions held at Wulin Square from May 18 to 21, allowing participants to enjoy Zhejiang's scenic beauty and culinary delights all in one place.

From its opening to the afternoon of May 20, the festival's 10,000-square-meter outdoor food area at Wulin Square attracted over 150,000 visitors and generated more than 10 million yuan ($1.38 million) in transactions.

The four-day event attracts crowds of visitors. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]