Spanish hams are displayed at the World Ham Exhibition Hall in Jinhua. [Photo/Tide News]
Jinhua ham is renowned as a culinary gem and a historic symbol of Jinhua in Zhejiang province. The city hosts the nation's sole museum dedicated to global ham varieties, the World Ham Exhibition Hall, which opened on June 19, 2013.
Spanning 1,400 square meters, the hall weaves together history, geography, craftsmanship, and culture. Through display boards, photographs, multimedia displays, and immersive settings, it sheds light on world's renowned hams: China's Jinhua, Spain's Iberian, Italy's Parma, and France's Corsican and Parisian.
Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a grand relief of the world map. The history section delves into the ancient records of ham, while the region segment showcases the diverse ham cultures worldwide through images and sculptures. The craftsmanship area details the journey from raw materials to culinary enjoyment.
The culture zone features a life-sized ham-themed street and a mysterious cellar, offering visitors a sensory journey into ham culture. Here, one can experience the craftsmanship of Jinhua ham, savor the aroma of Spanish ham, and indulge in the flavors of Parma ham.
Since its inception, the hall has welcomed numerous visitors, including students seeking to learn about ham culture and craftsmanship, fostering an appreciation for traditional skills and heritage.
