Chinese Food

As the solar term Lixia (Beginning of Summer) approaches, the coastal city of Dalian, nestled in China’s Liaoning Province, comes alive with culinary traditions that reflect its maritime heritage and seasonal rhythms. Dalian’s cuisine during this transition from spring to summer is a harmonious blend of fresh seafood, cooling ingredients, and time-honored dishes designed to nourish the body and adapt to the warming weather. This article explores the flavors, cultural significance, and culinary practices that define Lixia in Dalian, offering insight into how locals celebrate the season through food.

The Cultural Significance of Lixia in Dalian

Lixia marks the seventh of the twenty-four solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar, signaling the end of spring and the onset of summer. In Dalian, where the climate is moderated by the Yellow Sea, this period brings mild temperatures and abundant marine life. Historically, Lixia was a time for farmers to prepare for the growing season, but in coastal regions like Dalian, it became an occasion to honor the ocean’s bounty. Today, the festival is less about agriculture and more about gathering with family to enjoy seasonal specialties that balance nutrition, taste, and traditional wisdom.

Seafood: The Cornerstone of Dalian’s Lixia Table

Dalian’s geography as a major port city ensures that seafood dominates its culinary landscape, especially during Lixia. Locals prioritize dishes that highlight the freshness of locally caught ingredients, often prepared with minimal seasoning to preserve natural flavors.

Steamed Sea Bass with Soy Sauce and Ginger

A quintessential Lixia dish, steamed sea bass (鲈鱼) is prized for its delicate texture and mild taste. The fish is typically marinated in a mixture of light soy sauce, rice wine, and slices of fresh ginger, then steamed until the flesh flakes easily. Ginger not only enhances the dish’s aroma but also aids digestion—a crucial consideration as temperatures rise. The simplicity of this preparation reflects Dalian’s philosophy of letting quality ingredients shine.

Clams in Black Bean Broth

Clams (蛤蜊) harvested from nearby tidal flats are another Lixia staple. Locals often stew them in a savory broth flavored with fermented black beans, garlic, and chili peppers. The dish’s briny, spicy notes are believed to stimulate the appetite and ward off summer dampness. Some families add tofu or enoki mushrooms to create a heartier meal.

Sea Urchin Rice Bowls

Dalian’s proximity to prime sea urchin (海胆) fishing grounds makes this luxury ingredient accessible. During Lixia, locals enjoy uni (sea urchin roe) in its simplest form: mixed with sushi rice and a drizzle of soy sauce. The creamy, buttery texture of the urchin pairs perfectly with the fragrant grains, offering a taste of the ocean’s abundance.

Cooling and Refreshing Dishes to Beat the Heat

As temperatures climb, Dalian’s cuisine shifts to include ingredients that help regulate body heat. These dishes often incorporate cucumbers, bitter gourds, and jellyfish—all believed to have cooling properties in traditional Chinese medicine.

Jellyfish and Cucumber Salad

Jellyfish (海蜇), a local delicacy, is marinated in vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil, then tossed with thinly sliced cucumbers and cilantro. The dish’s crisp texture and tangy flavor make it a refreshing appetizer. Jellyfish is also rich in collagen and low in calories, aligning with summer’s emphasis on light, healthful eating.

Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce

While not exclusive to Dalian, cold noodles (凉面) are a popular Lixia choice. Wheat or buckwheat noodles are blanched, rinsed under cold water, and tossed with a creamy sesame paste, soy sauce, and chopped vegetables like cucumbers and carrots. The dish is both filling and hydrating, making it ideal for hot days.

Bitter Melon Stir-Fry

Though bitter melon (苦瓜) has a polarizing taste, it is valued for its ability to clear “heat” from the body. Locals stir-fry it with eggs or pork, balancing its bitterness with savory flavors. Some families blanch the melon first to mellow its sharpness.

Sweet Treats and Beverages

No Lixia feast is complete without desserts and drinks that quench thirst and satisfy sweet cravings. Dalian’s offerings blend local ingredients with influences from neighboring regions.

Grass Jelly with Honey

Grass jelly (凉粉), made from the Mesona chinensis plant, is a ubiquitous summer treat. Served chilled with honey or brown sugar syrup, its jelly-like consistency and subtle herbal flavor provide a soothing contrast to spicy meals.

Mung Bean Cakes

These steamed cakes (绿豆糕) are made from finely milled mung beans, sugar, and oil. Their soft, powdery texture and mild sweetness make them a delicate accompaniment to tea. Mung beans are also believed to detoxify the body, aligning with summer wellness practices.

Chrysanthemum and Wolfberry Tea

A fragrant herbal infusion of dried chrysanthemum flowers and wolfberries (枸杞) is drunk hot or cold. Known for its cooling properties, this tea is a staple in Dalian households during Lixia, offering hydration and a floral finish to meals.

The Role of Family and Community

Lixia celebrations in Dalian are deeply social affairs. Families gather to prepare large meals, with multiple generations contributing recipes and techniques. Elderly members often teach younger relatives how to select the freshest seafood or balance flavors in traditional dishes. These gatherings reinforce cultural identity and ensure culinary traditions endure.

Beyond the home, seafood markets and night markets bustle with activity. Vendors display catches of the day, from silver pomfret to octopus, while street food stalls grill squid and skewers of yakitori-style meat. Locals and tourists alike flock to these venues to sample seasonal flavors, creating a lively atmosphere that embodies Dalian’s love for food and community.

Modern Adaptations and Fusion Cuisine

While tradition remains central to Dalian’s Lixia cuisine, contemporary chefs are experimenting with global flavors. Seafood tacos with locally sourced fish, sushi rolls featuring Dalian sea urchin, and seaweed-infused ice cream have emerged in trendy eateries. These innovations cater to younger diners while paying homage to the region’s maritime roots.

Conclusion: A Taste of Summer’s Promise

Dalian’s Lixia cuisine is a testament to the city’s relationship with the sea and its commitment to seasonal living. From steaming bowls of seafood to cooling jellies and herbal teas, each dish carries centuries of culinary wisdom. As temperatures rise, these traditions offer not just sustenance but also a connection to the rhythms of nature—a reminder that food is more than nourishment; it is a language of culture, memory, and belonging.

In Dalian, the arrival of summer is not merely marked by calendars but by the sizzle of woks, the aroma of ginger and soy, and the laughter shared around tables laden with the ocean’s gifts. For locals and visitors alike, Lixia is an invitation to savor the fleeting moments of seasonal abundance—one bite at a time.