Before the official roadshow convoy arrived, a group of mysterious guests had already touched down in Yangzhou. Chefs from the Enshi Tujia Autonomous Prefecture had journeyed thousands of miles with fresh Tujia cuisine ingredients. They engaged in a culinary duel with Yangzhou’s Huaiyang chefs. When the delicate Huaiyang dishes met the rustic Tujia fare, it was sure to treat you to a sumptuous "Huaiyang-Tujia Fusion Feast."
At 8 PM on September 8, the roadshow began, screening fast-cut footage from the convoy’s cameramen showcasing the culinary skills battle between the Yangzhou and Enshi chefs. Yangzhou Lion Tower’s Master Jin and Enshi Grand Canyon Daughter Village Hotel’s Master Mo were invited on-site to explain the unique features and essence of their respective cuisines to the citizens of Yangzhou.
As a team promoting Chinese automotive culture, through the China Self-Drive Tour Route Awards platform, they gather outstanding self-drive routes nationwide, offering the most sincere recommendations for driving enthusiasts. This year, the Yangzhou Tourism Bureau designed and submitted the
Yangzhou Grand Canal Tour Route for the 2015 awards. Last year, the Grand Canal of China was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and canal culture has become a calling card for Yangzhou. The canal nurtured this city and is its very "root."
Coincidentally, this year’s official roadshow destination, the Enshi Grand Canyon, also submitted a newly inscribed heritage route—the Tangya Tusi Site Route—for this year’s awards. The two cities not only shared their cuisines but also engaged in a cultural dialogue across space through their World Heritage bids.
At the roadshow, Yangzhou citizens actively participated in the interactive activities. Handsome men and beautiful women visited the container-turned-hotel "Box Inn" towed by the white Optimus Prime trailer; a Yangzhou young man and a Tujia girl sang the Dragon Boat Tune in duet, receiving Enshi Grand Canyon specialties like Tujia brocade and flower
branch tea as gifts; using the "WeChat printer," they engraved the invitation to the Enshi Grand Canyon Driving Festival into their own stories; they experienced the "mobile photo studio," taking photos in front of the Grand Canyon’s towering cliffs; they tasted energy drinks brought by fellow driving enthusiasts in the convoy, feeling the thrill of road-tripping; at the end of the roadshow, a local Yangzhou aunt even stepped up to learn the Tujia hand-waving dance from the Tujia performers… and only when the event concluded did the citizens reluctantly begin to leave one after another.
On the morning of the 9th, the convoy’s driving enthusiasts set off to enjoy Yangzhou’s famous morning tea (a signature breakfast) near Heyuan Garden. Since it’s morning tea, tea is indispensable. At a century-old shop, they ordered a pot of "Kui Long Zhu," paired with treats like Three-Dice Buns, Jade Dumplings, Crab Roe Soup Dumplings, and Thousand-Layer Oil Cake—fragrant and delicious, as a day of life slowly began amid the wafts of tea.
After the hearty meal, they headed to the graceful and elegant Slender West Lake to soak in the timeless romance woven into Yangzhou’s classical poetry. Having experienced morning tea culture and savored authentic Huaiyang dishes, it was only right to try the uniquely flavorful Yangzhou snacks. Dongguan Street was a must-visit: lotus seed cake, Four-Joy glutinous rice balls, honey-glazed lotus root, ginger tea, ginger candy, Yangzhou rice wine, beef soup, beef potstickers, baked cakes… Just sampling these was enough to win over any foodie’s stomach. Though the old bustling vibrancy is gone, the street still retains some century-old shops, and celebrity residences abound—so much so that driving enthusiasts almost didn’t want to leave.
Next stop: Nanjing. Stay tuned for more exciting updates ahead!
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