The first Beijing World Food Festival has opened at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Over 600 restaurants are taking part in this first organized festival of its kind in Beijing. 

With its great culinary heritage, this is the first organized festival of its kind to be held in China, and over 600 restaurants are taking part.

The festival will present national cuisines, cooking contests and even food forums.

The event will last for forty days and straddle two sports events, the Asian Cup here in China and the Olympics in Greece, so activities relating to these two events will also be held during the festival.

(CRI July 16, 2004)