A welcome banquet of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit was held on Saturday evening in Qingdao, China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted the banquet to welcome guests who have gathered in the coastal city of Qingdao for the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

"It is such a pleasure to have you with us here in Qingdao, Shandong province, on the shore of the Yellow Sea," Xi said while addressing the dinner.

"I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese government and people and in my own name, a very warm welcome to all of you, particularly the state leaders and heads of international organizations who have come to attend the meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the SCO," he said.

Today’s banquet marks Lu cuisine, also known as Shandong cuisine, which is one of the Eight Culinary Traditions of Chinese cuisine and one of the Four Great Traditions. Shandong cuisine can be further subdivided into Jinan cuisine, Jiaodong cuisine and Kongfu cuisine.

Kongfu cuisine is an important part of Chinese food culture, making up an important part of today’s banquet.

Kongfu cuisine (孔府菜; Kǒngfǔ cài) is also known as Confucian Dishes. "Kongfu" refers to the descendants of Kong Qiu (Confucius). The Kong family have high standards for the quality of every dish. This is why all Kongfu dishes are beautifully designed and prepared with excellent cutting skills.

In the past, Confucian Dishes were used for official occasions such as birthdays, weddings and funerals. The dishes are elaborately prepared, the seasonings excellently adjusted, and the serving plates carefully chosen. The cooking techniques include roasting, stir frying, simmering and braising. The distinctive taste is light and delicate, fresh and tender, soft and fragrant and yet the natural flavor is not overpowered. The famous "Three Meats Soup" is especially important in attaining the fresh, fragrant, pure taste of Confucian Dishes.

The Longevity Peaches, Crystal Prawn Rings, Corn with Dried Shrimps, Roast Pork Ribs, Fried Chrysanthemum Shrimp Dumplings, Deep-fried Chicken Breast, Bean Curd, Decorated Duck Custard and Toffee Dates are among the famous dishes we refer to when talking about Confucian Dishes.