In YAN CAN COOK: SPICE KINGDOM, Martin Yan explores the many aspects of how food and spices helped shape the history and culture of western China. The series takes a comprehensive look at the region, tracing its early history to its water source at Dujiangyan. Named “Tian Fu” by Chinese scholars and historians, which means the land of heavenly abundance, the region’s rich farm land and temperate climate gave rise to 23 centuries of uninterrupted history. In this culinary journey, he also examines daily life in the region - from a whirlwind tour of street snacks to a leisurely cup of tea at historical tea houses. Back in the kitchen, Yan demonstrates his own take on the flavors and dishes of western China.