Changshan, a county in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province is scheduled to host the first spicy food festival from Jan 17 to 18. The Chinese character “辣” (spicy) is laid out with chilies. [Photo/qz123.com]

Changshan, a county in Quzhou, East China's Zhejiang province is scheduled to host the first spicy food festival from Jan 17 to 18, aiming to promote local culinary culture.

As one of the highlights of the festival, a spicy food cooking competition will take place during the festival.

Five chefs from countries known for their spicy recipes, including Mexico, Italy, Iran and India, are expected to compete with local female cooks.

Renowned chefs of different cooking styles in China and Italian gastrosoph Dodaro Paolo will be invited to judge the participants and 10 visitors will be invited to taste the dishes.

In addition, King of Spicy Food in China Li Yongzhi will be challenged and a Changshan Spicy Food Exhibition will be held at the festival.

Considering the fact that residents in Zhejiang's other places eat light or sweet food, it's quite a unique phenomenon for Changshan residents to come across such spicy food.

Italian gastrosoph Dodaro Paolo, who is one of judges on a Chinese state broadcaster CCTV's food program, is invited to be one of the judges at the Changshan Spicy Food Festival. [Photo/qz123.com]