Chefs prepare dishes during a cooking competition in Songyang county, Lishui, Zhejiang province, on June 26. [Photo/Songyang Guangdian WeChat]

Chefs from top restaurants in Songyang county, Zhejiang province, gathered for a cooking competition which put their culinary skills to test and vied for a spot amongst the top three authentic Songyang dishes, on June 26.

The contest, featuring the theme of "Inheritance and Innovation", was aimed at discovering and promoting traditional Songyang cuisines and driving the development of the local tourism industry.

After the preliminary round of the competition, a total of 20 contestants entered the final stage, where ten contestants competed for top prizes.

The finalists were required to cook dishes containing Songyang characteristics on the spot.

Professional cooking judges were invited to score each cuisine after an overall assessment of color, aroma, taste, style and creativity.

After a closely fought race, three restaurants including Tianyu Mingdu Hotel were rewarded the top prizes.

The judges try dishes during a cooking competition in Songyang county, Lishui, Zhejiang province, on June 26. [Photo/Songyang Guangdian WeChat]