Gongmian noodles are seen processed for air drying at a workshop in Gengjiazhuang Village of Gaocheng District in Shijiazhuang, capital of north China's Hebei Province, July 13, 2016. The Gongmian noodles produced in Gaocheng used to be a tribute to the royal family in ancient times. Through special processes, each noodle is uniformly thin and hollow. Listed as provincial intangible cultural heritage of Hebei in 2013, Gongmian noodles are popular on local and foreign markets. Food of a particular place is an important symbol of local geographic and cultural characteristics. Food carries history and tradition, leads the tide of trade, strengthens diplomatic relations, disseminates and promotes culture. Food has been serving as connections between people around the world. In ancient times, food such as grapes, pomegranates, walnuts, coriander, cucumbers and sesame seeds were introduced to China along the Silk Road. Nowadays, thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, red wine, coffee, dried fruits, meat, seafood, and dairy products from foreign countries enter the homes of ordinary people, turning daily meals into feasts with exotic cuisines. (Xinhua/Pu Dongfeng)