A lot of this also had to do with the anti-corruption drive so government officials and tycoon are holding less banquet than they used to. Same deal with Maotai wine, trips to Macau and general luxury goods sales in Hong Kong.
Of course, change in perception and available of food that doesn't taste of... nothing obviously help. Honest to god, Chinese banquet is one of the most torturous exercise I have endured. Numerous small courses that lasts for hours! Jesus! Give me one big serving FFS!!111 >:(
Didnt know this part, sounds intriguing. Chinese banquets sound terrible especially for me who likes to eat and then get out of a restaurant, not linger for hours after the meal.
lol eat and gtfo..
i'm chinese, but i can't stand that kind of timesink for eating too. all good for festivities tho :)
And West shaming NEVER help on anything and generally merely further cultural divides. To the shock of Western world, the dog meat festivals are still held every year. Chinese tourists are still behaving as badly as they were. It's just slow progression and self-realisation.
Wanna stop shark fin soup, send in load of amazing food that taste 20x better. Anything else is just pointless.
I do think the anti-corruption do have a bit to do with it too.