Linqing's Shixiang noodles, a flavor-packed spectacle, allow you to customize your bowl with ten veggie options and eight delightful spices. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2nd Linqing Theater, Food and Culture Festival is set to kick off during this year's May Day holiday, bringing a vibrant celebration of art, cuisine, and culture to Linqing, Liaocheng, Shandong province.

Unlike previous years, the festival this year will expand beyond a single venue, encompassing the entire city and offering a diverse array of experiences for visitors from near and far.

The festival will feature a grand main venue and eight sub-venues, each showcasing unique attractions and activities. The main venue, located at the former Linqing state-owned cotton mill, has been transformed into a vibrant cultural and leisure center, offering a blend of family fun, delectable treats, leisure activities, museums, fitness centers, creative hubs, performance squares, and educational bases.

Throughout the festival, five captivating concerts will take place, each featuring a distinct musical style, from nostalgic retro and Hong Kong-inspired tunes to captivating animation soundtracks and electrifying rock music.

The main venue will be transformed into a culinary paradise, featuring over a hundred food stalls and food trucks, along with dozens of restaurants.

Visitors can indulge in a delightful array of nostalgic childhood favorites and savor the authentic flavors of Linqing cuisine, including baked wheat cakes, cooked tripe of sheep or swine, steamed pork dumplings, lamb soup and soup dumplings.

Over one hundred local specialties will tantalize people's taste buds, offering a culinary journey through the rich gastronomic traditions of Linqing.