Annual Taste of China Festival Set for November 7

The popular Taste of China festival will return for its sixth year at Downtown Cary Park on Saturday, Nov. 7. Hosted by the Chinese-American Friendship Association of North Carolina (CAFA), the event celebrates the vibrant traditions and foods of Chinese culture. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.

Celebrating Chinese Culture Through Food and Performance

Festival director Jianping Yang reports that the Taste of China festival typically draws between 20,000 and 30,000 visitors each year. With over 80 vendors and 400 performers participating, many traveling from out of state, the festival offers a diverse showcase of Chinese culture, including dance, music, art, and, of course, food.

Chinese Food Highlights for Attendees

Food is central to the experience, with a wide range of dishes available. Yang recommends favorites such as dumplings, bao buns, and skewers, tailoring offerings to popular tastes. "I think most of the food we have now is not that extreme," he noted, explaining that vendors are conscious of their audience when choosing which traditional dishes to serve.

At last year’s festival, one young attendee described savoring squid, chicken legs, and chicken feet, calling chicken feet his favorite—and comparing it to chocolate. Another vendor offered samples of Kou Shui Ji, which translates to "mouth-watering chicken." Guests also enjoyed Jianbing guozi—a crispy, sauced egg dish with origins in Tianjin, China. For some, like a couple who waited an hour for Jianbing guozi, the authentic taste made the wait worthwhile.

Vibrant Cultural Traditions on Display

Beyond cuisine, the festival is a visual and cultural feast. Attendees are treated to performances such as the traditional Chinese folk dance Yangko. Seventy-year-old Ellen, a seasoned Yangko dancer, has been dancing since childhood, only pausing during the cultural revolution. At last year’s event, she danced alongside many others in colorful costumes, some with braids stretching to their hips.

Many visitors, including a couple from Fayetteville, attend for the lively atmosphere and photo opportunities. The woman estimated she took nearly 800 photos of the costumes and performances.

Fostering Cultural Exchange and Learning

The festival also serves as a place for families interested in cultural exchange and education. A Raleigh family brought their two young children, hoping to immerse them in Mandarin and Chinese traditions. The mother expressed her wish to enroll her children in a local Chinese language magnet program, sharing, "I want my children to be prepared for the future."

Event Details and Admission

The 6th annual Taste of China festival will be held at Downtown Cary Park on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, making it accessible for all interested in exploring Chinese culture, traditions, and food.

Source: wral.com.