The sound of gongs and drums starts, the lion dances joyfully, and delicious dishes are steaming hot. On the evening of the 9th, the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner of the Year of the Horse kicked off in a warm and lively atmosphere at the Huamei Xiejin Chinese Cuisine Cooking Center in the southern end of Manhattan, New York. The New Year's Eve dinner is co hosted by five renowned chefs from Beijing. From the delicate and graceful taste of Jiangnan snacks to the grand and majestic flavor of northern China, dishes not only emphasize craftsmanship but also highlight regional customs. Zhang Weiguo, Director of the Center for Cultural and Tourism Exchange between China and Foreign Countries, said in his speech that culture transcends mountains and seas, and cuisine connects emotions. China and the United States face each other across the ocean, and cultural exchanges are the bond of people to people connectivity. Food culture, with its unique affinity, has become a natural bridge to enhance understanding and deepen friendship between the two peoples. He said that Chinese flavor has never been just a taste buds on the tongue, but also a vivid carrier of Chinese culture and an important window for the world to understand China. Behind every dish, there is the charm of China's mountains, rivers, and folk customs, embodying the wisdom of 'food is paramount to the people' and the cultural core of 'harmony in diversity' and 'beauty in harmony'. Jin Yuxi, Co Chairman of the Board of Directors of Huamei Association, told reporters that holding this cultural feast with the theme of 'Chinese flavor' has special significance. Before the New Year's Eve dinner, various Chinese intangible cultural heritage exhibitions and interactive projects such as Mane Man, Sugar Painting, Noodle Sculpture, Kite, etc. are arranged in the hope that participants can gain a deeper understanding of the profound cultural system behind Chinese cuisine. For Peter Walker, Co Chairman of the Board of Directors of Huamei Xiejin Society, this meal evokes memories of his first visit to China 40 years ago. Walker said, "Every time I go to China, I feel like I'm going home. I see people proud of their own culture, living a down-to-earth and calm life." Martha, the little girl at the next table, faced the reporter's camera and shared the story her teacher taught her about the Nian beast. She told reporters that her interest in China began with a plate of dumplings, which was the first Chinese dish her mother brought her to eat, and she felt it was particularly fragrant at the time. As the New Year's Eve dinner was coming to an end, guests asked if it was possible to bring home the cute zodiac horse mascot on the table. Obviously, the New Year's Eve dinner leaves not only the taste, but also the understanding and recognition of cultural exchange. (New Society)