Jinan, the capital city of East China's Shandong province, which is known for its unique landscape of mountains, springs, lakes, and rivers, has become renowned for its diverse and high-quality culinary scene, local media reported.

In 2018 and 2019, Shandong surpassed other provinces to become the top culinary destination in China with a restaurant industry scale of 399.5 billion yuan ($55.7 billion) and 443.05 billion yuan, respectively. Jinan contributes over 20 percent of the revenue of Shandong's restaurant industry, making it a significant player in the culinary landscape of both the province and the country.

Over the past few years, despite the challenges the restaurant industry faced, Jinan's culinary sector has thrived through innovative business models, services, and menu offerings. This led to the emergence of many high-quality restaurants, which have received numerous accolades and recognition for their exceptional cuisine.

The city government has been actively promoting the development of the high-quality restaurant industry. Initiatives have been implemented to encourage lodging and dining establishments to meet relevant standards for excellence. Many establishments, such as diamond-level hotels and green restaurants, have been recognized with national and provincial ratings. The city aims to become a model city for high-quality dining in Shandong and nationwide.

Looking forward, Jinan will continue to play its role as a culinary destination, showcasing its rich cuisine and attracting more renowned restaurants and brands. The city's diverse culinary offerings and vibrant economic and cultural environment make it a genuinely tasty destination for food enthusiasts and a testament to its high-quality development.