First Chinese Food Culture Festival held in Bern

BERN, Switzerland, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- The first Chinese Food Culture Festival was held on Sunday inside the Bernexpo here in the Swiss Capital, drawing more than 1,000 local residents in the festive Christmas season.

Visitors enjoyed Chinese snacks as well as traditional art performances including calligraphy, folk songs and martial arts, during the day-long festival supported by the Chinese Embassy and sponsored by various local associations.

The stand serving Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles was most popular, with some 40 people waiting in line for this unique delicacy.

"I want to try everything here, I found the Chinese food so interesting and unbelievably delicious," said Christina, a 16-year-old high school student.

She added that she has already planned to travel to China to see more of its beauty, culture and people's life.

Chinese Ambassador to Switzerland Geng Wenbing said, as the Sino-Swiss relationship is at its best period in history, more and more Swiss nationals are wishing to know more about China, and the festival is a good opportunity to introduce the Chinese food culture.

"We also want to provide more festive atmosphere to local friends as Xmas is coming, which I believe is a best season for cultural exchange," Geng added.

At the festival, there was also a photo exhibition featuring the achievements of 40 years of China's reform and opening up.

"The food here makes me very excited, I will certainly come again next year when the Festival is held again," said a Chinese girl who lives in Bern with her parents.

China's food culture is deep rooted in its history. Chinese cuisine attaches great importance to the aesthetic aspect of food, while seeking harmony in color, aroma, taste, shape and even utensils.