A photo taken on March 14, 2024 shows Tianshui’s spicy hot pot in Gansu Province, China. /CFP
In the bustling streets and narrow alleys of Tianshui, Gansu Province, people form long queues, either sitting or standing outside spicy hot pot, or malatang, shops. Clusters of skewers, resembling vibrant bouquets, adorn the scene, presenting Tianshui's unique springtime ambiance this year.
Tianshui City, nestled beside the Qinling Mountains and the Weihe River in Gansu Province, boasts a rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years. It is considered as one of the roots of Chinese civilization. Recently, a spicy hot pot dish has captivated the internet, thrusting this northwestern city into the spotlight.
A photo taken on March 14, 2024 shows a customer holding a bunch of food ingredients for Tianshui spicy hot pot in Gansu Province. /CFP
According to reports from media outlet The Paper, the popularity of the spicy hot pot has led to a surge in daily out-of-town visitors to Tianshui, reaching around 40,000 recently. This past weekend saw a new peak in out-of-town tourist numbers, with over 70,000 visitors from other provinces recorded on March 17.
As early as 6 a.m., queues had already formed in the courtyard outside a popular spicy hot pot shop. Inside the shop, a bustling scene unfolded as over ten staff members chopped and skewered vegetables.
A photo taken on March 17, 2024 shows a worker inspect Sichuan peppercorns at a Sichuan peppercorn processing enterprise in Tianshui, Gansu Province. /CFP
Despite the continuous influx of customers, proprietors like Ha Haiying remained composed amid the chaos. Ha believes the essence of Tianshui's spicy hot pot is aromatic ingredients. She highlighted the region's longstanding chili cultivation history, resulting in a vibrant red chili oil with a tantalizing fragrance, complemented by locally sourced, fresh, and numbing peppercorns, and a unique sauce that enhances the flavor profile.
The widespread dissemination of local food culture through the internet has attracted a diverse array of culture and tourism enthusiasts. At the scene, locals and out-of-town visitors alike showcased their enthusiasm, with many capturing moments on their phones and sharing recommendations for Gansu's specialties and attractions.
Beyond the gastronomic delights, local government is working to enhance the visitor experience. A series of initiatives including the introduction of free bus services and provisions for temporary roadside parking for out-of-town vehicles were launched, demonstrating a commitment to hospitality and tourism excellence.