Title: Barbecue Culture in China’s Heilongjiang Province Attracts Tourists and Spurs Economic Growth
Heilongjiang Province in China is gaining increased attention from tourists as its traditional barbecue culture grows popular. Kang Yan, a member of the Daur ethnic group, shares that traditional barbecue has always been a significant part of her community’s cultural heritage. Today, she works as a waitress in a cafe in Hala New Village, Qiqihar City, where she enthusiastically promotes the traditional barbecue culture to visitors who view it as a quintessential experience of the region.
To boost tourism in the village, various facilities such as a campsite, a cafe, homestays, and pubs have been introduced. Kang was fortunate to secure a position in the cafe, known as Great Journey Camp Coffee, which specializes in serving barbecue meals alongside fried chicken and potato chips. During peak tourism seasons, the cafe’s popularity soared, and visitors were required to make reservations weeks in advance. Kang’s monthly earnings from the cafe exceeded 6,000 yuan ($840).
Qiqihar City is not the only area benefiting from the flourishing barbecue culture. Barbecue restaurants of different styles can be easily found throughout its streets. Guo Xu, executive president of Qiqihar’s barbecue industry society, explains that many restaurants are exploring innovative ways to combine barbecue with coffee and camping, effectively promoting this age-old dish. As a result, this unique style of barbecue has transcended the province’s borders and has gained popularity nationwide.
According to Zhou Tao, vice head of the commerce bureau of Qiqihar, there are currently approximately 21,000 Qiqihar barbecue restaurants across China, and e-commerce enterprises centered around this style of barbecue have reached 50. The estimated combined revenue of Qiqihar’s barbecue industry for this year is projected to reach 30 billion yuan ($4.2 billion).
The Qiqihar barbecue’s roots can be traced back to around 900 AD and have played a crucial role in preserving and spreading the cultural heritage of nomadic ethnic groups. An exhibition at the barbecue museum in the city showcases the evolution of the dish, from its early usage of stones to the later introduction of iron pans. Today, specially designed baking trays are utilized, with meticulous attention to detail, including curves and grooves that enhance the barbecuing process.
As China successfully managed its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zibo, another city in Shandong Province, witnessed a surge in popularity due to its barbecue culture. This positive trend has inspired individuals like Kang Yan, who hopes that Qiqihar barbecue will achieve similar acclaim, showcasing the preservation and appreciation of ethnic culture. She eagerly awaits the day when more people will fall in love with this cherished dish.
In conclusion, Heilongjiang Province’s barbecue culture, particularly in Qiqihar City, has become a magnet for tourists, boosting economic growth in the region. The rich heritage of the Daur ethnic group, combined with innovative approaches by local businesses, has contributed to the widespread popularity of this traditional cuisine. As more visitors flock to indulge in the distinct flavors of Qiqihar barbecue, the city’s cultural heritage and economic prosperity shine ever brighter.
