The eighth Suzhou Food Festival, sponsored by Gusu district and the Suzhou bureau of commerce, opened on Guanqian Street in Suzhou of Jiangsu province on November 17.

It aims to define Suzhou food culture, explore delicious snacks hidden in small alleys and advocate a healthy lifestyle.

A food map was released at the opening ceremony.

Organizers of the festival have solicited a festival logo and held essay and photograph contests. A healthy menu of Suzhou food themed around five tourist routes has been launched. A cooking skill competition will be held during the festival.

At the opening ceremony, the catering industry chambers of commerce of Suzhou and Gusu district vowed to guarantee food safety.

During the festival from November 17-24, people can also taste snacks at Zhengshanmen Square and buy green food at the square outside Xinsutiandi shopping mall.