A Bite of China

This series explores the history, traditions and culture of Chinese food. Filmed at over 160 locations across China, this series truly is a feast for the senses. The seven-episode documentary series introduces the history and story behind foods of various kinds in more than 160 locations in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The documentary has also been actively encouraged as a means of introducing Chinese food culture to those unfamiliar with local cuisine.

A Bite of China (2012-present) is a Chinese national-television documentary series created by Li Lihong and Chen Xiaoqing and broadcast on CCTV. Narrated by Li Lihong, the series unfolds across four seasons and roughly thirty episodes of about forty-nine minutes each, every installment following a particular food, ingredient or cooking tradition through the regions and people that sustain it. Rather than a single protagonist, the engine is curiosity: the camera follows farmers, fishers, herders, street vendors and home cooks as they gather, prepare and share their food, and each episode builds a portrait of how a dish came to be. Filming took place at more than 160 locations across mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, so the viewing moves from high mountains and northern tundra to bustling coastal and urban kitchens. The mood is reverent, sensory and unhurried, with lingering close-ups of steam, knives and harvests set to gentle narration. Its approach is closer to the observational food travelogue than to competitive cooking, and it appeals to viewers who enjoy the cultural depth of Chef's Table, the wandering curiosity of Parts Unknown, or the sweeping natural beauty of Planet Earth. The series is best approached as an unhurried, appetite-stirring journey through Chinese culinary heritage.

• Chef's Tableslow observational food documentary, cultural portraiture through cuisine
• Parts Unknownfood as window into local culture and daily life, travel documentary sensibility
• Planet Earthnature documentary style lush cinematography and reverent tone toward everyday craft
• Ugly Deliciousfood and culture documentary with sensory, intimate portraits of people and places

Created by

Li Lihong, Chen Xiaoqing

Release Date

2012-05-14

Episode runtime

49 min

Rating

8.1 / 10 (29)

What is A Bite of China about?

A lavishly filmed Chinese documentary that traces the history, regional traditions and people behind the country's foods across more than 160 locations.

What is A Bite of China like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of A Bite of China as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is A Bite of China violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in A Bite of China.

Which shows are like A Bite of China?

Shows with a similar feel include Chef's Table, Parts Unknown, Planet Earth, and Ugly Delicious.

How long is A Bite of China?

A Bite of China: 4 seasons, 30 episodes.

Is A Bite of China still running?

Yes, A Bite of China is still running.