The program crew of Three Meals and Four Seasons jointly launched by China Central Television and the Ministry of Commerce recently visited Taizhou in Zhejiang province.

The group delved into various locations, capturing the city's cuisine, scenery, people, landmarks, and local customs from a panoramic perspective.

"What initially attracted me to Taizhou was the seafood and its freshness," said Meng Chen, the program's chief director, who had visited Taizhou multiple times beforehand.

Taizhou's cuisine is characterized by "fresh, sticky, and sweet", with "fresh" being the essence. Wenling is hailed as the "Cape of Good Hope in the East China Sea". The deep sea has nurtured the local fishermen, who create exquisite dishes with the ingredients it bestows.

"Taizhou's snacks are the second reason we chose it," explained Meng. The program aims to explore the daily and seasonal foods eaten by locals. "The diverse range of local snacks on Ziyang street in Linhai is the epitome of the hustle and bustle in Taizhou."

According to incomplete statistics, Taizhou is home to nearly 200 types of snacks. "A dish, a pancake, or a bowl of soup — all these are a part of Taizhou's culinary identity," said Xie Shenghua, vice-chairman of the Taizhou Catering Industry Association. 

"We also want to explore the customs, history, and culture of the city," Meng stated. "This is the third reason."

As the filming came to a close, Meng expressed regret at missing the "Hehe flavor" of Taizhou due to the limited time. "Like the Shibingtong pancake, it represents the city's profound culinary culture."

"As a quintessential Taizhou snack, the pancake made an appearance at the Shanghai World Expo because it embodies the essence of Hehe culture," Meng remarked. Many Taizhou delicacies represented by the pancake reflect the inclusivity of Taizhou's culinary culture, showcasing the characteristics of this coastal city.

The Taizhou episode of the program is expected to air in June and July.