With a scent of orchid, the Sheshan spring bamboo shoot is a local specialty of Sheshan Mountain in Shanghai. Many families and tourists can’t wait to go there to have a bite of the bamboo shoots.

(A feast of bamboo shoots [Photo/Shanghai Observer])

(A bird’s eye view of Sheshan Mountain [Photo/Shanghai Observer])

To celebrate the harvest of bamboo shoots this year, a bamboo shoot themed food cultural festival is being held at Sheshan Forest Hotel, where guests can both enjoy delicious bamboo shoots and experience classical Sheshan culture.

(A bamboo forest on East Sheshan Mountain [Photo/Shanghai Observer])

The Chinese have a long history of eating bamboo shoots. The food appeared on people’s table as early as the Shang Dynasty (BC 1600—BC 1046). Traditionally, people dig out fresh bamboo shoots and make dishes with them, which are both natural and healthy.

(A girl learns to make bamboo shoot pastry [Photo/Shanghai Observer])

Sheshan’s spring bamboo shoot used to be a favorite of Emperor Kangxi, who even renamed Sheshan Mountain as Lansun (literally meaning “Orchid Bamboo Shoot”) Mountain.

Apart from Emperor Kangxi, the mountain has been frequented by many historical celebrities. Xu Xiake, a traveler in ancient China visited here five times, and three of the visits were made for meeting Chen Jiru, an esteemed scholar who was in seclusion in the mountain.

(Braised chicken cooked with bamboo shoots [Photo/Shanghai Observer])

Now, at Sheshan Forest Hotel, people can enjoy a feast of bamboo shoots cooked with more than ten cooking techniques. There are more than 100 dishes for you to choose. Come have a bite of spring!

(Salmon Sashimi with bamboo shoots [Photo/Shanghai Observer])

(Bamboo shoot pastry [Photo/Shanghai Observer])