The Introduction of Sichuan Cuisine into Xizang:Exchanges and Interactions between Han and Tibetan Food Cultures

Throughout history,the cross-regional mobility of the Han and Tibetan populations,exemplified by events such as Princess Wencheng's marriage into Xizang,monks'presentation of tributes to emperors,and the tea-horse trade,has facilitated the exchange of Han and Tibetan culinary traditions.During the Qing Dynasty(1636-1912),as the central government consolidated its control over Xizang,the culinary exchanges between China's inland areas and Xizang increased significantly.Notably,the introduction of Sichuan cuisine to Xizang coincided with the presence of the Sichuan army in the region.In the Republican era(1911-1949),Sichuan merchants took over from the Sichuan military as the primary agents spreading Sichuan cuisine in Xizang.Due to the concerted endeavors of the Sichuan army and merchants,by the end of the Qing Dynasty and throughout the Republican period,Han cuisine had not only become accessible for Tibetan nobility and religious elites,but had also started to commercialize for the general populace.Following the establishment of the People's Republic of China,and particularly after the reform and opening-up policy,the advancement of various sectors in Xizang and the influx of Sichuan immigrants have enabled Sichuan cuisine to be widely disseminated across all social classes in Xizang.The introduction of Sichuan cuisine has significantly influenced the staple food structure,ingredients,cooking techniques,and eating habits of Tibetan local food culture.It has also helped to harmonize taste preferences and dietary customs between Sichuan and Xizang,further enhancing the cross-regional dissemination and mutual appreciation of the food cultures of the Han and Tibetan people.

Constructing the Chinese Nation:Discussions among Chinese Social Elites in the First Half of the 20th Century

This study aimed to review the early 20th century discussions among Chinese social elites on the definition of the“Chinese nation"and how a corresponding national identity can be constructed.These discussions gradually formed the basis of society's notions on the Chinese nation and the Chinese identity.It can be concluded that the discussions were of great significance because of three reasons.First,they contributed to the formation of a social consensus that the Chinese nation is a national entity,existing as a being in itself.Second,they further clarified that the Chinese nation is the highest-level identity of all the Chinese people.Lastly,they provided a clear direction for the establishment of a national value—"plurality and unity"—which was advocated by the Communist Party of China(CPC).