The LeShan Giant Buddha 乐山大佛 Scenic Area

Essential Chinese Sauces, Spices and Oils for your kitchen cupboard: Soy Sauce (酱油, Jiàngyóu): Soy sauce is perhaps the most essential condiment in Chinese cooking. It adds saltiness, depth, and umami flavor to dishes. There are different varieties of soy sauce, including light soy sauce (生抽, Shēngchōu) and dark soy sauce (老抽, Lǎochōu), each with its own flavor profile and usage. Oyster Sauce (蚝油, Háoyóu): Oyster sauce is a thick, savory sauce made from oyster extracts, soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. It has a rich, umami flavor and is commonly used as a seasoning and flavor enhancer in stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces. Sesame Oil (麻油, Máyóu): Sesame oil is a fragrant oil made from toasted sesame seeds. It has a nutty flavor and adds depth and aroma to dishes. Sesame oil is often used as a finishing oil, added at the end of cooking for its distinct flavor. It is commonly used in stir-fries, marinades, dressings, and dipping sauces. Try the toasted version. Rice Vinegar (米醋, Mǐcù): Rice vinegar is a mild, slightly sweet vinegar made from fermented rice. It adds acidity and brightness to dishes and is commonly used in marinades, dressings, dipping sauces, and pickling. Chili Bean Paste (豆瓣酱, Dòubànjiàng): Chili bean paste, also known as doubanjiang or Toban Djan, is a spicy and savory paste made from fermented broad beans, chili peppers, and soybeans. It has a complex flavor with a balance of saltiness, sweetness, and heat. Chili bean paste is a key ingredient in Sichuan cuisine and is used in dishes such as Mapo Tofu and Twice-cooked Pork. Shaoxing Wine (绍兴酒, Shàoxīngjiǔ): Shaoxing wine is a type of Chinese rice wine made from fermented glutinous rice. It adds depth of flavor and aroma to dishes and is commonly used in marinades, braises, and stir-fries. Shaoxing wine is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine and is often referred to as the "cooking wine" in Chinese recipes. Chili Oil (辣椒油, Làjiāoyóu): Chili oil is a spicy and aromatic oil made by infusing hot oil with dried chili peppers and other aromatics. It adds heat and flavor to dishes and is commonly used as a condiment in noodle soups, stir-fries, dumplings, and dipping sauces. Hoisin Sauce (海鲜酱, Hǎixiānjiàng): Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet and savory sauce made from soybeans, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and various spices. It has a complex flavor with notes of sweetness, saltiness, and umami. Hoisin sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, a glaze for roasted meats, and a flavoring agent in stir-fries and marinades. Five-Spice Powder (五香粉, Wǔxiāngfěn): Five-spice powder is a blend of ground spices commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon (cassia), Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. Five-spice powder adds a warm, aromatic flavor to dishes and is often used in marinades, rubs, braises, and stir-fries. These essential Chinese sauces, spices, and oils add depth, flavor, and complexity to a wide range of Chinese dishes. Experimenting with these ingredients can help you create authentic and delicious Chinese cuisine at home! We have recipes for Chili Oil and HoiSin Sauce but by all means try those from your Chinese supermarket first.

With Jordan Porter.

The picturesque JinShanLing to SiMaTai section, north east of Beijing ...

The Forbidden City (Palace Museum), the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall (at Badaling), Beihai Park, the Botanical Garden, JingShan Park, the Olympic Park, Qianmen Welcome to the blue-sky city ...

Plus, BeiJing ... And more ...

With Silberventures ... ZhuHai Travel Guide Overview Zhuhai, located in southern Guangdong province, is a coastal city known for its beautiful islands, relaxed atmosphere, and proximity to Macau. It is often called the "City of a Hundred Islands" and is famous for its clean air, well-planned urban layout, and charming seaside attractions. Top Attractions Zhuhai Fisher Girl Statue: The city’s iconic landmark, located at Xianglu Bay, representing beauty and romance. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom: One of the world’s largest ocean-themed parks with exciting rides, aquariums, and live animal shows. Dong'ao Island: A scenic island with crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation and water sports. Wailingding Island: A lesser-known but stunning island offering beautiful beaches and hiking trails. Lovers’ Road: A picturesque coastal promenade ideal for walking or cycling while enjoying sea views. New Yuanming Palace: A replica of Beijing’s Old Summer Palace, with classical Chinese gardens and cultural performances. Zhuhai Grand Theatre: A unique shell-shaped architectural masterpiece hosting various performances. Best Activities Island Hopping: Visit islands like Hebao Island and Dong'ao Island for beaches and snorkeling. Hot Springs: Relax in Imperial Hot Spring Resort for a rejuvenating experience. Seafood Dining: Enjoy fresh seafood at Wanzai Seafood Street. Macau Day Trip: Take a quick trip to Macau via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Shopping Gongbei Underground Shopping Mall: A great place for bargain shopping near the Macau border. Huafa Mall: A modern shopping center with international brands. Zhuhai Duty-Free Shops: Good for tax-free shopping on luxury goods. Local Cuisine Seafood: Try local specialties such as steamed crabs and salt-baked prawns. Yufu Noodles: A famous local noodle dish. Macanese Influence: Due to proximity to Macau, Macanese-style dishes are common. Getting Around Public Buses: Affordable and convenient for getting around the city. Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Widely available, though it helps to have your destination in Chinese. Bicycles & E-Scooters: Many areas are bike-friendly, especially along Lovers’ Road. Best Time to Visit Zhuhai has a subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The best time to visit is from October to April, when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is low. Where to Stay Luxury: Chimelong Hengqin Bay Hotel, St. Regis Zhuhai. Mid-Range: Sheraton Zhuhai Hotel, Palm Spring Hotel. Budget: GreenTree Inn, 7 Days Inn.

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