Maoming plans to build a food block, known as He Village, which is expected to open next year.

He ("籺") is a traditional food in Maoming and was often used during festivals in ancient times as a way to worship ancestors and pray to the gods  for a better life. It is made of glutinous rice, sticky rice, wheat or other kinds of coarse grains.

A rendering of He Village in Maoming. [Photo/WeChat account: maofabu]

He Village is being developed by Guangdong Nanyue Cultural Tourism Development as a way to promote He as well as the traditional culture surrounding it. The village will integrate culture, folk customs, entertainment, recreation, food and consumption.

It will cover an area of 12,795.16 square meters and include seven two-story buildings with a combined floor area of 8,000 sq m. After completion, it will be home to nearly 80 shops and create about 1,500 jobs.

It will be located to the east of Guanghua South Road, less than 500 meters away from the 1959 Nanyue Cultural and Creative Street, which it is intended to supplement.

In addition to the numerous delicacies that will be on offer, the village will also include an interactive space and an area where visitors can experience how He is made firsthand.

"I look forward to the completion of the village, so that He can enjoy a boost in popularity," said a Maoming resident, adding that she intends to bring friends from outside Maoming to try the traditional food.