Diners enjoy meals at a local restaurant in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Shaoxing, East China's Zhejiang province, witnesses a growing number of restaurants serving local cuisine in tourist areas, commercial complexes, and residential neighborhoods.

In 2016, only 12.39 percent of the city's Chinese restaurants specialized in Shaoxing cuisine. Today, that number has risen to over 60 percent.

Along Cangqiao Zhijie historical street alone, more than 20 Shaoxing restaurants — from the renowned Xianheng Inn to popular newcomers like Xunbaoji and Lantingji — attract both locals and tourists. Similar clusters can be found in prominent cultural destinations, such as the Calligraphy Sage historic site, and in commercial complexes like Ying'en Tiandi.

Experts attribute this success to innovation. Many restaurants have refined traditional cooking techniques while preserving authentic, fresh ingredients.

They also incorporate cultural storytelling by sharing stories about the origins of dishes and highlighting Shaoxing's culinary traditions. Some even make the experience more immersive by recreating Shaoxing landscapes in dining spaces and featuring Yueju Opera performances.

Today, Shaoxing cuisine not only meets local dining needs but also stands as a cultural highlight that promotes the city's integrated cultural, business, and tourism.