Shaoxing cuisine. [Photo/Shaoxing News]

A new museum dedicated to the history and culture of Shaoxing cuisine is set to open in Shaoxing.

Backed by an investment of nearly 40 million yuan ($5.91 million) from Xianheng Group, the Shaoxing Cuisine Museum will be built in the central area of the Lu Xun Native Place pedestrian district, next to the century-old Xianheng Hotel and Changqing Temple.

With a total floor area of more than 8,000 square meters, including over 2,500 sq m of exhibition space, the museum is scheduled to break ground in July and take about three years to complete.

It will blend cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology, with AI-powered interactive exhibits, immersive multimedia displays and live demonstrations of traditional cooking techniques allowing visitors to explore the evolution of Shaoxing cuisine from ancient Yue culture to the present day.

The project also marks a new chapter for Xianheng Hotel, established in 1894 and immortalized in Lu Xun's classic short story Kong Yiji. The hotel plans to transform itself into a museum-style cultural destination by integrating exhibitions, dining and creative experiences.

Industry observers believe the museum will shed light on a little-known side of Shaoxing cuisine, whose rich history has often been overshadowed by its reputation for bold, savory flavors. By combining food, culture and tourism, the museum is expected to become a new attraction that brings the city's culinary heritage to life for visitors from around the world.