The Shandong cuisine competition is set to be held in Shinan, aiming to attract Shandong's culinary masters and to help pass on the culture of Shandong cuisine. [Photo/WeChat account: qdweishinan]

Shandong cuisine, or Lu cuisine, has the longest history and most distinct cooking techniques among the Eight Culinary Traditions of Chinese cuisine – having produced some of the most influential imperial dishes in China, dating back to the late Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC).

A news conference for the Lu Guan Cup · First Qingdao Shandong Cuisine Master Professional Skills Competition was held on March 26 in the Shinan district of Qingdao city in East China's Shandong province.

Well-known industry insiders, experts of Shandong cuisine and industry leaders gathered to discuss the preservation and development of Shandong cuisine during the conference.

A "best-of" list of cuisines in Qingdao received particular attention.

The competition will have three major categories: a Chinese cuisine chef championship, a Chinese pastry chef championship and a Shandong cuisine chef team competition.

A selection of swan-shaped desserts showcases the subtilties of Shandong cuisine. [Photo/WeChat account: qdweishinan]