Quanzhou's Global Footprint in Gastronomic Creativity
Connecting Cultures, One Flavour at a Time
As a vibrant city on the historic Maritime Silk Road, Quanzhou has actively championed international cooperation in the realm of gastronomic creativity. Over the past four years, Quanzhou has led and participated in several global initiatives that celebrate the cultural significance of food, tea, and wine as bridges of understanding among peoples and cities.
Key International Initiatives in Gastronomic Creativity
Sino-Italian Tea and Wine Culture Promotion Initiative (2023)
In a pioneering effort to unite East and West through the senses, Quanzhou's Anxi County launched the initiative "Immersing in the Aromas of GIAHS Tea" in Rome. Jointly unveiled with Italy's World Heritage vineyard region of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, the initiative promotes cultural dialogue between Anxi Tieguanyin Oolong tea and fine Italian wine. This cross-cultural exchange highlights how traditional agricultural products can become ambassadors of creativity and heritage.
Maritime Silk Road Multicultural Development Initiative (2024)
Introduced at the 2024 Global Tour Operators Conference, this initiative garnered support from 63 cities across 28 countries. It reinforces Quanzhou's role as a cultural anchor among Maritime Silk Road cities, encouraging integration of culinary traditions, shared festivals, and creative tourism experiences rooted in gastronomy.
East Asian Cultural Cities Common Declaration
Quanzhou has long supported cultural exchanges among China, Japan, and South Korea under the East Asian Cultural Cities framework. As one of the inaugural cities selected in 2013, Quanzhou has consistently contributed to gastronomic and cultural events with fellow UCCN members such as Chengdu, Yangzhou, and Macao. These yearly declarations celebrate shared creativity in cuisine, arts, and heritage.
Quanzhou's Membership in Global Creative and Sustainable City Networks
In recognition of its commitment to culture-led development, Quanzhou is an active participant in several international platforms that foster innovation, sustainability, and intercultural exchange:
United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC)
Maritime-Continental Silk Road Cities for Sustainable Development
World Crafts Council AISBL
Connecting craft traditions worldwide
Maritime-Continental Silk Road Cities Alliance Business Council
Platform for trade, culture, and innovation
International Tourism Alliance of Silk Road Cities
Fostering tourism and creative partnerships
21st-Century Maritime Cooperation Committee
Promoting sustainable coastal city partnerships
A City that Inspires Through Taste
Quanzhou continues to serve as a creative crossroads where gastronomy tells the story of centuries-old trade, migration, and cultural innovation. Through tea, cuisine, and cross-border partnerships, the city is redefining what it means to share heritage in a globalised world—one cup and one dish at a time.
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2025-03-30
"Song-Yuan Maritime Silk Road Banquet" Debuts in Beijing: Diplomats from 25 Countries Experience Quanzhou's Culinary Heritage
On March 28, the Song-Yuan Maritime Silk Road Banquet tasting event for foreign diplomats took place at the Fujian Building in Beijing. Ambassadors, diplomats, and representatives from international organizations—including Greece, Montenegro, and Panama—embarked on a cultural and gastronomic journey to explore Quanzhou's rich culinary heritage.
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2025-03-26
Exciting! The Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Showcases Quanzhou Cuisine to the World!
On March 25, Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong and the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia shared a social media post promoting Quanzhou cuisine, showcasing its unique culinary charm to the world.
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2025-03-16
Fujian's Culinary Treasures Shine on National Television
Bringing together ingredients from both land and sea, Fujian's rich culinary heritage takes center stage in the latest episode of China's Culinary Conference. As the show's Authentic Flavours segment unfolds, traditional Fujianese delicacies are captivating audiences and sparking a surge of food-inspired travel interest.
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2025-03-02
Quanzhou Cuisine Captivates Celebrities: "A Hidden Culinary Gem"
Since the beginning of the year, numerous celebrities and public figures have taken to social media to rave about Quanzhou's cuisine, sharing posts and photos that have sparked widespread interest. Their enthusiastic praise has drawn the attention of netizens, proving that Quanzhou's culinary delights have conquered the hearts—and taste buds—of many.
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2024-12-19
Quanzhou Culinary Delegation Visits Macau, Shunde, and Chaozhou for Exchange and Learning
From December 13 to 16, Chen Rixing, an expert advisor from the Quanzhou City "City of Gastronomy" Application Taskforce Office, led a five-member Quanzhou culinary exchange delegation to visit Macau, Shunde, and Chaozhou, all recognised as UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy.