Zaragoza has emerged as the latest discovery of Lu Jiang (Maxime), one of the most influential experts in China on gastronomy, wine, and travel. With over 15 years of experience writing for his portal «WineBlogChina.COM,» this content creator has amassed a vast following of more than 524,000 on Weibo and over 46,000 on XiaoHongShu.
In addition to his role as a communicator, Lu Jiang is a renowned consultant for prestigious wine collections and a buyer. He has traveled to 16 wine-producing countries and serves as a judge in top international competitions, such as the Decanter Asia Wine Awards and the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. During his recent visit to Aragón, we had the chance to chat with him at GoAragon to learn about his impressions firsthand.
GoAragon: Welcome to Zaragoza. As a content creator who has traveled across all five continents, what has surprised you the most about our city?
Lu Jiang: I am from Beijing, China, and my main focus is gastronomy, wine, and travel. Being fortunate enough to come here to Zaragoza in Aragón has been a huge surprise. First, I discovered a very deep historical culture, including the two cathedrals, like the Basilica del Pilar with its majesty, and La Seo, with its exquisite beauty. All those details surprised me greatly.
GoAragon: Over your career, you have been an inspector for prestigious restaurant guides in China, such as Black Pearl. From your expert perspective, how do you view the local culinary offerings?
Lu Jiang: In these two days, we have tried two restaurants that have impressed me a lot. They prepare tapas in an extremely refined way. Some dishes reach quite a high level, even though their prices are very reasonable.
GoAragon: As an expert taster and international wine judge, your assessment of our wineries is highly anticipated. What do you think of Aragón’s wines?
Lu Jiang: The wine here is an excellent choice, because this is the birthplace of Garnacha. Given my considerable knowledge of wines, I must say that these three main production areas here are among my favorite regions for Garnacha in the world.
GoAragon: You have collaborated with lifestyle and travel media such as Condé Nast Traveler. Beyond art and gastronomy, was there any other detail about the surroundings that caught your attention during your recordings in the city?
Lu Jiang: I visited the Puente de Piedra. When we went to film, I discovered that both banks have many wonderful things, such as wetland parks. The protection of birds there is excellent. I was very surprised to see a common heron and took photos of it. So the environment in this area is much better protected than I had imagined.
GoAragon: After this experience, will we see you again in Aragón?
Lu Jiang: In the future, I am sure that I will bring my family here for vacation, and I will also recommend this place to my followers and friends. Because this site is truly ideal for a holiday and enjoying life.
