Nineteen tour groups from Super Travels Pte, Singapore, brought over 400 travelers to Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, on April 13.

The visit was part of the "Yangzhou Food Carnival", a campaign initiated by Huang Yuxiang, the company's president and a well-known Yangzhou-born overseas Chinese figure, to promote Huaiyang culinary culture and facilitate cultural exchange between Yangzhou and overseas communities.

Tourists from Singapore visit Slender West Lake. [Photo/WeChat account: yzs_lyj]

The visitors began their journey at Slender West Lake. Strolling along the attraction's classic landscapes like the Xichun Pavilion and the Five-Pavilion Bridge, they soaked up the poetic spring scenery of Yangzhou at this time of year, which is still considered March on the traditional Chinese calendar, when the city is at its most enchanting.

"As the poem goes, 'In the flowery March, go to Yangzhou'. Now I truly understand why -- every step reveals a beautiful scene," said one visitor named Lin Yiping.

A chef shows Singaporean visitors how to make Yangzhou fried rice. [Photo/WeChat account: yzs_lyj]

That evening, the groups were treated to a Huaiyang cuisine feast at the Yumatou store of Yechun Teahouse. Authentic dishes such as lion's head meatballs and Eight Treasures Duck were served, while renowned chefs demonstrated the exquisite skills of pastry making, tofu slicing, and preparing Yangzhou fried rice.

A hanfu show draws Singaporean tourists. [Photo/WeChat account: yzs_lyj]

Guests also explored an intangible cultural heritage fair showcasing treasures like woodblock printing and lacquerware, and enjoyed night performances such as a hanfu show and a Kunqu opera performance.

Preceding the Yangzhou International Economic and Trade Tourism Festival on April 18, the event served as a warm-up to generate buzz about the festival while also promoting Yangzhou's landscapes and cuisine abroad.

Going forward, the carnival will be held every year on April 13, creating a recurring cultural tourism event for Yangzhou.