Food fairs at restaurants along the Pearl River, light shows as well as delicacies on cruises will be presented among an array of events during the Asian Cuisine Festival to be staged in Guangzhou. [Photo/IC]

Food fairs at restaurants along the Pearl River, light shows as well as delicacies on cruises will be presented among an array of events during the Asian Cuisine Festival to be staged in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, between May 16 and 23.

As part of the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations to be held in Beijing later this month, the festival is meant to awaken common culinary memory, strengthen friendship and promote cooperation between Guangzhou and cities in other Asian countries, Diao Ailin, deputy secretary general of Guangzhou city government, said at a news conference on Sunday.

Consulates general of Asian countries in Guangzhou, prestigious hotels and companies from other Asian countries are invited to stage country-themed gourmet events.

At the news conference, officials from consulates general of countries including India, Iran and Thailand launched guest-of-honor day event preparations. Representatives of airlines of countries such as Japan, Saudi Arabia and South Korea kicked off Asian food exchange air route activities.

Founded 2,230 years ago and serving as a starting point of the ancient maritime silk road, Guangzhou has witnessed a long history of exchanges with foreign countries and embraced 64 consulates general, including 22 from Asian countries, Diao said.

As one of the core cities of the country, Guangzhou stands as a key international transport hub and is designated as a pivot city in the country's Belt and Road Initiative.

The city is linked with 157 international air routes and more than 400 sea ports in over 100 countries and regions, having drawn 34,000 foreign-invested firms and 301 of the world's top 500 companies.

Meanwhile, shows featuring the eight major Chinese culinary styles, specialty cuisines in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and global cuisines will take place at Haixinsha island during the festival.

Panels will be held on food and well-being, industrial development and culture.

Voting will also be held to select the most popular Asian food, restaurants, chefs and food souvenirs.

Known as a culinary capital of the country, Guangzhou has rich cultural heritage on offer to visitors, including the exquisite dining ware unearthed in Nanyue King Zhao Mo's tomb, which dates back more than 2,000 years ago.