The historic streets of Yangliuqing Ancient Town in Tianjin became a culinary crossroads during the Spring Festival as international visitors discovered traditional Chinese delicacies. Master Zhang, a local artisan, demonstrated the ancient preparation of chatang (tea soup), skillfully combining red sorghum flour, millet flour, and boiling water before garnishing with red sugar, sesame seeds, raisins, and peanut crumbs.
Ahmed Mohamed Saleh from Egypt expressed delight after his first taste. “It’s wonderfully warm and sweet,” he remarked, curious about the name despite the absence of tea. Master Zhang explained the historical context: “Tea soup originated in the late Ming Dynasty. The name derives from the tea-brewing technique of using boiling water, though no actual tea leaves are involved. It’s particularly comforting during winter months, providing immediate warmth.”
Nearby, Hassan Sameh Hassan Elsayed, another Egyptian student, sampled Sutang (crispy candy) and immediately purchased two boxes to send home. Xu Liansen, third-generation inheritor of Xu’s Crispy Candy, reported exceptional visitor engagement during the holiday period. “Our workshop attracted substantial tourist attention, with approximately 10% of purchases made by international visitors like Mr. Elsayed,” Xu noted.
The culinary experiences formed part of a broader cultural celebration that featured over 500 performances and interactive activities throughout the Spring Festival period, averaging more than 70 daily events. According to official data from the Tianjin Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the city experienced an 11.7% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the previous year during the Year of the Horse Spring Festival, accompanied by a 9.4% growth in hotel revenue.