The first day of the Asian Cuisine Festival showed that the gourmet culinary festival is not always just about food and drinks.

Haixinsha Island in Guangzhou staged a dazzling light show, as well as an assorted collection of artistic shows, on May 16 to mark the first day of the Asian Cuisine Festival's Guangzhou event.

The light show was designed by the operation team of Guangzhou International Light Festival and Guangdong Radio and Television Station. It highlighted Cantonese culture, the beautiful scenery and food of Asian countries, and Guangzhou's city features.

The artistic shows were a hit for attending audiences, particularly a special chapter of reconstructed scenes displaying Guangzhou's distinctive food culture, as well as songs and dances from Asian countries.

Haixinsha Island stages a light show on May 16 on the first day of the Asian Cuisine Festival. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

An art show promotes one of Guangzhou's local delicacies, boat porridge. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

An exotic dance performance wins great acclaim from audience. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]