Overseas Chinese media leaders and community representatives taste the “World’s Largest Hotpot” and experience Chongqing hotpot’s spiciness grading system.
On April 21, a joint visit activity themed “Walking China: Seeing Chongqing” for 2026 overseas Chinese media and community leaders entered the Chongqing Dezhuang Hotpot Museum in southeastern Chongqing. Over 30 Chinese-language media outlets and more than 10 community leaders explored the historical evolution of hotpot at the museum, tasting Chongqing spicy hotpot with six levels of spiciness, ranging from 12 to 75 degrees.
That evening, the visiting group enjoyed Dezhuang’s “World’s Largest Hotpot.” This hotpot, which holds a Guinness World Record, can serve 56 people dining together.
Chongqing Dezhuang Hotpot Museum
The Chongqing Dezhuang Hotpot Museum is a unique cultural institution dedicated to the history and heritage of Chongqing’s iconic spicy hotpot. Located in the city, it traces the evolution of hotpot from its origins as a simple street food among dockworkers in the early 20th century to a global culinary phenomenon. The museum showcases historical cooking utensils, ancient recipes, and interactive exhibits that highlight the social and cultural significance of hotpot in Chongqing’s identity.
Chongqing
Chongqing, a major city in southwestern China, is known for its dramatic mountainous landscape and its role as a key industrial and transport hub. Historically, it served as the provisional capital of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) and has since grown into a bustling metropolis. Today, it is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, the scenic Yangtze River, and its unique fusion of modern skyscrapers with ancient cultural sites.