What delicious food can you try in Ya'an?

Ya'an is a compact city, and high-end restaurants are mostly located in the city center. A trip to Ya'an would not be complete without trying its local snacks. Well-known choices include Cheng's Jelly Noodles and Wu's Wontons at the Central Street Market.

In the evening, there are even more dining options. Barbecues and teppanyaki stalls cluster near the gate of Sichuan Agricultural University on Renmin Road, as well as along Jiefang Road and beer houses on Yanjiang West Road. Affordable skewer stalls can be found in the alleys of Kangzang Road.

A unique fish species native to the mountainous areas of Central Asia, it is also known as Bingxue Fish. It inhabits the Zhougong River, a section of the Qingyi River running through Ya'an, hence the name Ya'an Fish. Resembling carp with fine trout-like scales, the fish has a plump body and tender flesh. Braised in a casserole, it is a signature local dish.

Also called handmade wide noodles, it has a history of over 100 years. The noodles are made entirely by hand through mixing, kneading and slapping. The distinctive slapping technique gives the snack its name. It comes in more than ten flavors such as beef, minced meat, pork and spare ribs. Served with carefully blended seasonings, the noodles boast appealing color, rich aroma and great taste, with a crisp and savory texture.

Wontons are referred to as chaoshou in Sichuan. Shunhe Wontons are a local staple, featuring thin wrappers, tender meat and thick milky-white soup. They taste smooth, fresh and fragrant with a lasting aftertaste. There is a wide variety of flavors, including garlic sauce, chili oil, hot and sour, and original broth wontons.

Clean the stinky tofu and cut it into pieces on a plate. Top with fermented soybean paste, chopped green peppers and red peppers. Drizzle a few drops of sesame oil before serving. The tofu is crispy and incredibly flavorful. This is the traditional way to enjoy stinky tofu in Ya'an, and it is highly recommended for visitors.