5. Ya'an caviar

A local sturgeon breeding facility in Tianquan county, Ya'an city, southwest China's Sichuan province. [Photo provided by Tianquan Multimedia Center]

Sichuan province's Ya'an city, far from major bodies of water in the heart of China, has surprisingly emerged as a significant producer of caviar, a delicacy traditionally associated with Russia and Europe. Made from sturgeon roe, caviar typically thrives in cold, freshwater environments.

So, how did this inland city become a major producer of caviar? The answer lies in the city's unique climate and geography. The city boasts numerous rivers and lakes, creating ideal conditions for sturgeon farming. Furthermore, its cold climate mirrors the natural habitat of the sturgeon.

This combination of factors has elevated Ya'an to a prominent position in the global caviar market.