XI’AN, April 2 (WSH) —Who says traditional heritage can’t ride the wave of online traffic? With over 600 years of history, the time-honored brand “Nine Dishes and Thirteen Flowers” is crossing boundaries and breaking into new circles with its hardcore culinary charisma. As a representative of China’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH), this ancient feast from Weinan is making waves in the competitive world of gourmet culture.
A Culinary Marvel from Dali County, Weinan
In Dali County of Weinan City lies a breathtaking banquet known as “Nine Dishes and Thirteen Flowers,” often hailed as the local version of the legendary Manchu Han Imperial Feast. Originally called “Nine Bowls and Thirteen Flowers,” the “nine bowls” symbolize longevity, while the “thirteen flowers” represent a beautiful bride, forming a symbolic gift of happiness and completeness. In the region, this banquet is not merely a meal, but a grand gesture of hospitality—an honor reserved for the most distinguished guests.
Rooted in Geography and Culture
The origins and evolution of “Nine Dishes and Thirteen Flowers” are deeply intertwined with the unique geography of the western Yellow River, local agricultural traditions, and vibrant trade networks. It has become an integral part of local customs and folklore.
Culinary Craft Passed Down Through Generations
The banquet encompasses a complete range of courses—teas, cold dishes, hot entrées, and staple foods—with a meticulously arranged order.
It starts with nine trays of tea snacks: four kinds of nuts, four types of fruit, and a sweet dessert in the center.
Then come the thirteen cold dishes, such as shredded tofu, sesame pork, and marinated vegetables like carrots, lotus root, and kelp—balanced, refreshing, and colorful.
Next, nine hot dishes are served, including braised squid, pork knuckle, sour tripe, steamed cakes, sweet glutinous rolls, and chicken or fish stew.
Finally, nine bowls of staple dishes are arranged in the shape of a cross, symbolizing harmony and perfection.
A Showcase of Masterful Techniques
This feast draws from a wide array of culinary methods—stir-frying, deep-frying, stewing, braising, pickling, and steaming. Each dish is a reflection of the chef’s artistry.
Meat dishes are tender and juicy, vegetables remain crisp and vibrant, and the flavors layer beautifully into a symphony of taste that satisfies even the pickiest of palates.
Cultural Heritage with Deep Roots
Dali, formerly known as Tongzhou, was elevated to a prefecture-level city in 1735 during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty. It’s a long-standing star in China’s culinary world. Dishes like pork knuckle, sweet glutinous rolls, and crispy rice cakes are already enough to make one’s mouth water.
“Nine Dishes and Thirteen Flowers” reigns supreme during major festivals, weddings, and other grand occasions. It is a cultural anchor, connecting people with their heritage and forming a timeless symbol of celebration and identity.
From Daily Ritual to Cultural Icon
Each dish in “Nine Dishes and Thirteen Flowers” resembles a work of art, thanks to its unique presentation and meticulous preparation.
Its origin traces back over 600 years to a humble village wedding in Gaoming Village, Dali County. According to the *Dali County Gazetteer*, during the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty, a resourceful cook named Tian Qiqiao created the feast using local ingredients such as carrots from Shauan and carp from the Luo River.
Her innovation led to thirteen cold dishes and nine hot bowls—each rich with meaning. Over time, the banquet became a staple at weddings, birthdays, and holidays, beloved for its beauty, symbolism, and taste.
The Yijing (I Ching) Philosophy on the Table
Before the banquet begins, a tea ceremony sets the tone. The layout of fruits and snacks on the Eight Immortals table carries hidden meanings: the four fresh and four dried fruits represent the four cardinal directions and cyclical seasons.
At the center, a crystal pastry symbolizes the Taiji (Supreme Ultimate), subtly embodying the cosmological wisdom of the Yijing.
When the host utters blessings such as “Fortune through all seasons,” guests are not only enjoying peanuts but also honoring nature’s rhythms and the cosmic order.
From Royal Banquet to Intangible Heritage
As a grand feast full of local customs and historical nuances, “Nine Dishes and Thirteen Flowers” echoes the essence of the Shaowei Banquet recorded in the Qingyilu by Song Dynasty writer Tao Gu.
This fusion of Han vegetarian cuisine, nomadic meat dishes, and ethnic seafood creates a culinary epic of cultural integration.
In 2022, it was officially listed in Shaanxi Province’s 7th batch of Intangible Cultural Heritage items, marking a new chapter in its legacy.
Heritage Goes Viral: A New Wave of Chinese Chic
Who says heritage can’t trend online? The centuries-old feast is making a bold comeback with Gen Z audiences.
Local chefs are adapting traditional dishes to modern tastes—steamed pork knuckle now pairs with kale salad, and sweet glutinous rolls adopt molecular gastronomy flair.
These reinterpretations have taken over food videos, driving people across China to chase the flavor. Bloggers host livestreams explaining the “carb economy,” while young foodies post “banquet unboxing” shots on social media.
By engaging broader audiences, traditional foods like this are becoming cultural powerhouses in their own right.
CityWalk on the Tip of Your Tongue
Today, “traveling for a bowl of noodles” is the new norm. Dali offers a winning itinerary:
Start your morning at Fengtuyicang Granary to marvel at ancient ingenuity, join a heritage chef at noon to unlock hidden features of the Nine Dishes banquet, and cap off the day with a Luo River carp sandwich as you watch the Yellow River sunset.
For young travelers, food is the lens through which they explore, and delicacies like “Nine Dishes and Thirteen Flowers” are the perfect guides.
Using Culture to Drive Tourism
In today’s fierce culture-tourism market, “Nine Dishes and Thirteen Flowers” is quietly taking the lead.
In livestreams, viewers marvel at the chef’s blade work, flooding comments with admiration.
On Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), the hashtag #LowCarbThirteenFlowersMeals is trending among fitness enthusiasts.
Even overseas Chinese restaurants are recreating “Chang’an Twelve Dishes” menus, exporting China’s culinary story to the world.
These successes prove that storytelling isn’t always necessary to export culture—authentic quality and creative spirit are more than enough to make foodies proud ambassadors of their heritage.
A Living Tradition
“Nine Dishes and Thirteen Flowers,” with its colors, flavors, and deep-rooted symbolism, continues to thrive as a living legend of Chinese culinary civilization—written not in books, but served at tables across generations.
(Contributors: Weinan City, Dali County)
(Editor: Song Nan)
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