The city of Chaozhou in China's Guangdong Province has long been a paradise for epicures. However, compared with its varied local snacks, not many people are familiar with a special grand banquet called "Han Gong Yan".

Literally, "Han Gong Yan" means a banquet had by an official surnamed Han. "Han Gong" refers to Han Yu, an influential poet and official in China's Tang Dynasty (618-907).

Han has been honored by the Chaozhou people, although he worked in the area for less than one year. During his time as prefectural governor in Chaozhou in the year 819, Han carried out reforms in education and economy that had fundamentally changed the society.

"2019 marked the 1200th anniversary for Han Yu to govern Chaozhou. I came up with the idea to make the 'Han Gong Yan' to commemorate history and to promote Chaozhou cuisine as well," Zeng Chunan, consultant for Han Yu Research Institute, told CGTN.

The banquet consists of 14 hot dishes and four cold dishes - with ingredients in some dishes varying from season to season. It's based on a five-syllable regulated verse written by Han Yu, which elaborated the manifold kinds of food ingredients, especially seafood in Chaozhou.

The feast features different kinds of seafood, beef, goose, and seasonal vegetables - and handsomely refined sauces to match with different dishes. Your taste buds will surely be tickled while the plate presentation offers you a visual delight.

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