Title: A Culinary Renaissance at Northwest Ethnic Village
**Interviewer**: Can you tell us about the rise of culinary trends in Zheqiao Village, often referred to as “the first village of Hezhou cuisine”?
**Ma Furong**: Zheqiao Village is nestled in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture and has become a vibrant hub for diverse ethnic foods, showcasing over 40 local dishes such as hand-grabbed lamb, Hezhou-style steamed buns, Yellow River carp, and river-side noodles. Our village has attracted a significant number of visitors each year, thanks to the rich cultural tapestry of flavors and the warmth of our local hospitality.
**Interviewer**: That’s fascinating! What makes Zheqiao Village unique compared to other culinary destinations?
**Ma Furong**: Zheqiao Village is primarily composed of various ethnic groups including Dongxiang, Hui, and Han. This diversity is reflected in our cuisine, and we pride ourselves on offering traditional Dongxiang-style family meals. Visitors can savor authentic homemade dishes that evoke nostalgic flavors from their childhood.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned the recent influx of visitors. What’s driving that interest?
**Bai Junming**: Over the years, we have continuously expanded our menu by incorporating traditional Hezhou dishes alongside our famous signature meals. Feedback from customers has been extremely positive, which motivates us to innovate. Even though our dishes are rustic, we see the importance of creativity in our cooking.
**Interviewer**: What improvements have been made in Zheqiao Village recently?
**Ma Furong**: This year, we introduced natural gas to the village, which is quite rare for rural areas in Northwest China. Despite the challenging environment, the local communities are passionate about culinary exploration, leading to an overflow of delicious gastronomy. As living conditions have improved, Zheqiao Village has gained increasing recognition for its culinary offerings.
**Interviewer**: Can you share how the region’s geography and history have influenced its cuisine?
**Ma Furong**: Linxia, historically called Hezhou, is located at the crossroads of different cultural routes such as the Silk Road and the ancient Tang and Tibet roads. The unique local ingredients, like Dongxiang lamb and various fruits, have shaped our culinary landscape. Our ancestors blended flavors and cooking techniques, establishing a distinctive culinary heritage.
**Interviewer**: With so many dining options available, how does Zheqiao Village avoid fierce competition among the farms?
**Ma Furong**: To address potential competition, we formed the Zheqiao Bay Agritourism Association. We prioritize training in cooking skills, hold culinary competitions, and evaluate pricing. This structured approach helps maintain quality and encourages cooperation rather than conflict among the local eateries.
**Interviewer**: What is the economic impact of this agritourism industry on the community?
**Ma Furong**: Currently, Zheqiao Village boasts over 160 agritourism businesses, with most families enjoying substantial earnings. Many earn tens of thousands of yuan annually, with some reaching as high as 600,000 yuan. This thriving sector has created jobs for approximately 1,800 people, and we have also established an “Eight-Treasure Tea Factory” to promote our local tea beyond the village.
**Interviewer**: What are the plans for the future of Zheqiao’s culinary tourism?
**Ma Furong**: We are focused on deepening our culinary culture while leveraging our rich historical resources, such as Baima Spring and Jiuyan Spring. Our goal is to develop a new model of rural tourism that combines leisure and wellness, farm-to-table dining, fruit picking, and agricultural experiences, making Zheqiao a must-visit destination for tourists.
