The fist batch of 10,000 diners were enjoying a large hotpot banquet on March 20 in southwest China's Chongqing, the birthplace of the hot and spicy stockpot of mutton, beef and vegetables. The 3rd Hotpot Festival was kicked off on that day and Chongqing was entitled as the "Hot Pot Capital of China" at the opening ceremony of the festival. 
 
(China News Service March 21, 2007)