Chinese cuisine is known for its taste and philosophical and aesthetic qualities. It is closely tied to the development of the 5,000-year-old Chinese civilization. It is also related to the development of tourism in China--- well-known scenic spots are associated with well-known famous dishes named after the spots. There is, for example, "fried Yellow River carp with sweet and sour sauce" of Shandong, and "Hupao vegetarian ham" and "West Lake water shield soup" of Hangzhou.

Chinese cuisine devotes meticulous attention to the color, smell, taste, shape, sound and vessel of food. "Sound" refers to the crispiness of food, especially for such dishes as Sichuan's "sizzling rice crust with three delicacies." When a steaming hot sauce made of shrimp and other delicacies is poured on freshly fried rice crust, a sizzling sound will be heard which signals happiness to the Chinese. "Vessel" refers to the different kinds of containers, such as porcelain, pottery and silverware, for different tables and dishes.

Chinese food can be classified into six categories:
1. Local dishes.
This refers to a class of dishes with very strong local flavors that dame into existence in line with local produce, climate and customs. Among the most well known local dishes are "sea cucumber braised with scallion" of Shandong, "hot and spicy hot pot" and "peppery hot bean curd" of Sichuan.
2. Royal dishes.
These used to be prepared by the imperial Kitchen for emperors and empresses. Usually, they are fancifully named and exquisitely prepared with the best ingredients. Among the most famous are "all birds pay court to the phoenix," "swastika-shaped braised pork slices," "puree of pea cake," and steamed tiny corn bread.
3. Family dishes.
These used to be reserved for high-ranking bureaucrats and celebrities. But they were subsequently adopted by ordinary people. Among the most famous family dishes are Confucian-style and Tan-family style. In addition, "Dongpo Pork," "diced chicken stir-fried with chili and peanuts" are also popular dishes.
4. Ethnic food.
These originated in minority-inhabited areas, and became popular nationwide. Famous ethnic dishes include roast beef, "sliced mutton hot pot" and shashliks.
5. Vegetarian food.
Because most monks eat vegetarian food, it is also known as "monastery dishes." There are a wide variety of flavors. These dishes are often cooked in such a way as to look and taste exactly like meat and fish.
6. Medicinal dishes, or food therapy.
The Chinese believe that mixing tonics with food adds flavor to the food and is good for health. Famed medicinal dishes include "lily decoction with chicken," "ginseng decoction with ribs," and "porridge with lotus seeds and lily."

The late Chairman Mao once remarked that China's greatest contributions to the world are traditional Chinese medicines and Chinese food. To testify to the popularity of Chinese food, a piece of Western humor has it that the happiest man in the world is one who earns an American salary, lives in an English house, is married to a Japanese woman and eats Chinese food!

Gourmets agree that although every ancient civilization had its own cuisine, Chinese cuisine is the only one that has it all. Some say French food is good for the flavor, Greek food for the smell, and Japanese for the ritual. But Chinese food has all these qualities and more.

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