City Profile: Quanzhou, China – Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China
1. General Information
Located on the southeastern coast of China, Quanzhou boasts a history that spins over 1,300 years. As a pivotal city along the ancient Maritime Silk Routes(MSR), it was historically known as Zayton, the largest port in the East during the Song-Yuan period (10th–14th centuries). For centuries, Quanzhou has maintained trade relations with over 100 countries and regions. Recognized for its rich cultural heritage, the city is home to seven elements inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, including the" Traditional Tea Processing Techniques and Associated Social Practices in China." In 2021, "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With a population of 8.88 million, Quanzhou embodies openness, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit, driving its strong economic performance. The city has consistently ranked among China's top 25 urban economies. Its industrial landscape includes ten key sectors, such as gastronomy, handicrafts, apparel, building materials and tourism. Quanzhou boasts an extensive transportation network and maintains cultural and economic ties with over 80 overseas cities, including Kuching (Malaysia), a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and Urasoe (Japan).
Quanzhou's gastronomy is deeply rooted in the ancient Yue dietary traditions, enriched by Central Chinese culinary influences and global flavors from Arab and Southeast Asian cultures. Since the 10th century, its cuisine has embodied a unique "mountain-sea fusion," symbolizing the city's rich history and cultural inclusivity. Through the Hokkien diaspora, Quanzhou's food culture has transcended borders, becoming a hallmark of its global identity.
2. Global Development Strategies and Policies
Quanzhou embraces cultural creativity as a core driver of urban development. Upholding the MSR's legacy of openness and inclusivity, the city seeks to enhance international connectivity, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
Aligned with UNESCO's priorities and the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Quanzhou has introduced the "Quanzhou 14th Five-Year Plan and 2035 Vision Outline" to foster international collaboration, particularly in cultural affairs. The city actively strengthens partnerships with Africa and Small Island Developing States, ensuring its policies contribute to global sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Quanzhou is committed to the MONDIACULT 2022 Declaration and the Braga Declaration 2024. It continues to implement UNESCO's frameworks on World Heritage, Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Through legislative protection, community engagement, and international cooperation, Quanzhou is shaping a creative and sustainable city where cultural heritage and urban vitality coexist harmoniously.
3. Cultural Assets and Creative Industries
Quanzhou, a city with a 1,300-year legacy, remains a vital hub on the Maritime Silk Road. Its culinary scene, deeply embedded in local traditions, showcases the city's abundant seasonal ingredients sourced from its mountains and seas. Signature street foods like Misua Soup, Pork Zongzi, and Stone-flower Jelly serve as nostalgic flavors for nearly 10 million overseas Chinese from Quanzhou across 170 countries and regions. These dishes have also become must-try cultural icons for visitors.
Quanzhou's gastronomy sector is a robust economic force, supported by a well-structured ecosystem. The industry encompasses over 150,000 enterprises in agriculture, food processing, and catering, generating an annual output of USD 20.69 billion and providing employment for over 2 million people.
The city hosts over 100 cultural events annually, including festivals, exhibitions, competitions, and conferences that integrate food with traditional crafts, folk art, design, film, literature, media arts, and music. These events attracted 86 million visitors in 2023 and surpassed 100 million in 2024, enhancing Quanzhou's cultural landscape while contributing to sustainable industrial growth. Through these initiatives, Quanzhou continues to share its rich gastronomic heritage with the world, reinforcing its status as a global cultural and creative hub.
