China Central Television's most popular documentary last year, A Bite of China, has been sold to 43 countries and regions, according to information released by CCTV-9 - CCTV's documentary channel - on its Weibo account.

Besides unexpectedly high ratings, the 7-episode documentary series on Chinese culinary culture has stirred up a wave of culinary interest including millions of blog entries and an increase in sales of regional snacks and traditional foods, in addition to making food the latest source of pride for the nation.

Michael William, the chief executive officer of United States-based production company Passmore Lab, said during a documentary award presentation ceremony on May 28 that A Bite of China will be made into a 3D version. The cost, he said, will be roughly 10,000 dollars per minute.