Storytelling Techniques in Food Documentaries in the Short-Form Era: Focusing on Short-Form Contents of A Bite of China

This study explores how the feature-length food documentary A Bite of China is reconfigured into short-form content on Douyin. By analyzing the documentary's original and short-form storytelling techniques(structure, style, symbols) conducting in-depth interviews with viewers, the study examines how traditional storytelling adapts to short-form formats. Findings show that while ethnic identity, locality, and emotional engagement are largely retained, the narrative becomes more compressed and emotion-driven, with enhanced visual rhythms. Algorithmic influences lead to non-linear storytelling and selective focus. Viewers respond by deepening their emotional and aesthetic engagement with food content, recognizing cultural identity and engaging in philosophical reflection. The study suggests strategies for storytelling, algorithm adaptation, and audience-centered identity building in the short-form era.