Chenggong district in Kunming, Yunnan province is buzzing for tofu festival. [Photo provided to km.gov.cn]
The 5th Chenggong Qibuchang Tofu Culture and Tourism Festival took center stage in Chenggong district, Kunming, Yunnan province.
This year's edition, which ran from Nov 15 to 17, had the theme of "Promoting Tofu Culture and Tasting the Charm of Intangible Heritage" and featured a variety of activities, including a street-long banquet, a culinary skills competition, and creative bazaar and art performances.
The tofu-making tradition in Chenggong stretches back over 600 years and continues to embody the dedication and craftsmanship of its practitioners.
To further explore the integration of culture, tourism and industrial development, Chenggong invited renowned cartoonist Li Kunwu to conduct field studies in the district. As a result, about 40 thematic street murals, titled "Pictures of Nostalgia, Fragrance of Tofu", were painted, transforming rural spaces into artistic and cultural landmarks.
The festival created more than 600 local jobs, providing sustainable employment opportunities for displaced farmers and contributing to the community's economic stability.
Leveraging the collective economic benefits, the festival spurred growth in the local restaurant and tofu retail industries, boosting residents' income. By transforming cultural strengths into economic and branding advantages, Chenggong district has established a new cultural tourism identity for the region.
