Food and Festivals of China

Food and festivals offer a vivid way into the everyday traditions and shared stories of a culture. Yan Liao’s Food and Festivals of China brings these subjects together, exploring Chinese cuisine alongside the customs, legends, and celebratory foods connected with festivals across China.

From the family table to the festival calendar

The book first considers Chinese food, then turns to well-known observances such as the Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival. Its scope also includes Clear Brightness, the Ghost Festival, Qiqiao, Chongyang, and celebrations associated with some of China’s ethnic communities. Together, these chapters show how food and festivity can illuminate cultural practices and the meanings people attach to them.

Traditions, stories, and seasonal celebrations

Rather than treating festivals as dates on a calendar alone, Liao introduces the customs and legends connected with them, along with traditional foods and treats. Readers can explore familiar celebrations as well as observances that may be less widely known beyond Chinese communities.

A useful companion for further reading

A glossary, calendars of major Chinese festivals and observances, further-reading suggestions, internet resources, and an index support readers who want to revisit particular customs or continue learning. These reference features complement the book’s chapter-by-chapter introduction to Chinese foodways and festival life.

Who may enjoy this book?

Part of the China: The Emerging Superpower series, the book was created to help high school students develop an informed understanding of China. It may also suit readers looking for an accessible cultural introduction, especially those interested in Chinese cuisine, traditional celebrations, and the stories that accompany them.