Hello, I would like to give y'all a brief introduction of four main categories of Chinese cuisine, which distinguish themselves based on the materials, flavors and regions.
Also, if y'all want to know more information about Chinese cooking, don't hesitate to watch 2012 China's most popular documentary A Bite of China on Youtube. English subtitles provided!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2TT7tAWBTI
Chuan (Sichuan) （川菜）
Sichuan, is a style of Chinese cuisine originating in the Sichuan Province of southwestern China famed for bold flavors, particularly the pungency and spiciness resulting from liberal use of garlic and chili peppers, as well as the unique flavour of the Sichuan peppercorn and Facing heaven pepper. Peanuts, sesame paste and ginger are also prominent ingredients in this style.
Lu (Shandong) （鲁菜）
Shandong Cuisine (鲁菜） is commonly and simply known as Lu cuisine. With a long history, Shandong Cuisine once formed an important part of the imperial cuisine and was widely promoted in North China. However, it isn't so popular in South China. I personally do not like it. Also, Shandong Cuisine is featured by a variety of seafood.
Su (Jiangsu cuisine) （苏菜）
Jiangsu cuisine consists of the styles of Yangzhou (my hometown), Nanjing, Suzhou and Zhenjiang dishes. It is very famous all over the world for its distinctive style and taste. It is especially popular in the lower reach of the Yangtze River.
Typical courses of Jiangsu cuisine are clear crab shell meatballs (pork meatballs in crab shell powder, fatty, yet fresh), Yangzhou steamed Jerky strips (dried tofu, chicken, ham and pea leaves) and triple combo duck.
Yue (Guangdong) （粤菜）
The Cantonese style of dining, combines the variety of dim sum dishes with the drinking of tea. Cantonese style is the unique and charm dishes, which enjoy a long history and a good reputation both at home and abroad. It is common with other parts of the diet and cuisine in Chinese food culture. Back in ancient times, and the Central Plains on Lingnan Yue Chu family has close contacts. With the changes of dynasty historically, many people escaped the war and crossed the Central Plains, the increasing integration of the two communities. Central Plains culture gradually moved to the south. As a result, their food production techniques, cookware, utensils and property turned into a rich combination of Agriculture, which is the origin of Cantonese food.
Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_cuisine
