The 8 regional cuisines of China

Eight culinary traditions and an extraordinary variety of flavours, ingredients and cooking methods.

The culinary diversity of China

China’s eight major regional cuisines have their origins in different parts of the country. Over the centuries, however, their influences have spread and intermingled, so that today they can no longer be attributed exclusively to their regions of origin.

Together, they showcase the extraordinary diversity of Chinese culinary culture – shaped by regional ingredients, different climate zones, traditions and cooking techniques.

Susan Wei Wang, August 2024

Karte der acht Regionalküchen Chinas

An overview of the 8 Chinese regional cuisines

From intensely spicy to delicate and well-balanced: Each region has its own culinary character.

Sichuan-Küche – eine der acht Regionalküchen Chinas
01 · Sichuan

Sichuan cuisine

Robust, spicy and complex. Sichuan pepper, chilli, garlic and ginger characterise the famous mala flavour. Typical dishes include Mapo tofu, Kung Pao chicken and hot pot.

More about Sichuan cuisine
Kantonesische Küche aus Guangdong
02 · Guangdong

Cantonese cuisine

Light, fresh and precise. Cantonese cuisine preserves the natural flavour of its ingredients and is particularly renowned for steaming, slow cooking and stir-frying.

More about Cantonese cuisine
Anhui-Küche – Hui-Küche aus China
03 · Anhui

Anhui cuisine

Hui cuisine has its roots in the mountainous regions of Huizhou. Authentic ingredients, traditional preparation methods and robust flavours define its character.

More about Anhui cuisine
Shandong-Küche – Lu-Küche aus China
04 · Shandong

Shandong cuisine

Lu cuisine is one of the oldest culinary traditions in China. Broths, soups and fresh seafood from the Shandong coast play a central role.

More about Shandong cuisine
Hunan-Küche – Xiang-Küche aus China
05 · Hunan

Hunan cuisine

Aromatic, spicy and intense. Fresh chillies, smoked ingredients and bold seasonings characterise Xiang cuisine and give it its distinctive character.

More about Hunan cuisine
Jiangsu-Küche – Su-Küche aus China
06 · Jiangsu

Jiangsu cuisine

Elegant, balanced and exquisitely prepared. Su cuisine is characterised by precise cutting techniques, high-quality ingredients and harmonious, slightly sweet flavours.

More about Jiangsu cuisine
Zhejiang-Küche – Zhe-Küche aus China
07 · Zhejiang

Zhejiang cuisine

Natural, fresh and elegant. Carefully selected ingredients, delicate cooking methods and sophisticated presentation characterise the cuisine of Zhejiang.

More about Zhejiang cuisine
Fujian-Küche – Min-Küche aus China
08 · Fujian

Fujian cuisine

Seafood, aromatic broths and fermented ingredients create a versatile flavour profile ranging from fresh to sour, sweet and aromatic.

More about Fujian cuisine

More than just the 8 regional cuisines

China’s culinary culture does not end with the eight major regional cuisines. Tea and wine, too, tell a story of origin, craftsmanship, tradition and social life – and are closely linked to Chinese culinary culture.

Experience Chinese cuisine

Discover Chinese cuisine, deepen your knowledge and experience first-hand the culinary exchange between Switzerland and China.