Jiangnan is a large geographical area of China to the south of the Yangtze River with fertile and well-watered, famed for its silk and handicrafts, and very densely populated. For the last millennium, this region has been at the heart of the most dynamic and sophisticated area of the country. The mere mention of Jiangnan evokes lyrical images of a Chinese water town, with white houses and willows growing along riverbanks, where poets wandered and romantic encounters took place. The food from Jiangnan is characterized by the use of very fresh ingredients, lots of seafood and the skillful use of soy sauce and sugar to make rich, tasty braising sauces.