Quanzhou – A City of World Heritage and Culinary Delights
Synopsis
Quanzhou, China's seventh UNESCO City of Gastronomy, was also the world's maritime trade center of Song-Yuan China. It was designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy on October 31, 2025, and boasts 22 World Heritage sites. It is the starting point of the Maritime Silk Road.
Overview
Quanzhou, located on the southeastern coast of Fujian Province, is a famous historical and cultural city in China. In 2021, "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. On October 31, 2025, Quanzhou was once again selected into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, becoming China's seventh UNESCO City of Gastronomy. It is also one of the few cities in the world to hold both the titles of a World Heritage Site and a City of Gastronomy.
History and Culture
Quanzhou was the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road and was one of the world's most prosperous international ports during the Song and Yuan dynasties. Marco Polo referred to Quanzhou as Zayton and recorded it as one of the world's largest ports. Quanzhou preserves rich historical relics, including 22 World Heritage sites such as Kaiyuan Temple, Qingjing Mosque, Tianhou Palace, and Laojun Rock. These sites encompass various religious architectures including Buddhism, Islam, Taoism, and Christianity, showcasing Quanzhou's unique charm as a center for multicultural exchange.
Quanzhou is also a significant birthplace of Minnan (Southern Fujian) culture. Intangible cultural heritage skills such as Nanyin (Southern Music), Liyuan Opera, Gaojia Opera, and String Puppetry have been passed down through generations here. Specialties like Anxi Tieguanyin tea, Yongcun aged vinegar, and Dehua porcelain are renowned both domestically and internationally.
UNESCO City of Gastronomy
On October 31, 2025, UNESCO officially announced Quanzhou's designation as a City of Gastronomy within the Creative Cities Network. Representative dishes of Quanzhou include:
| Dish | Introduction | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mian Xian Hu (Thread Noodle Soup) | Traditional breakfast | Made with hair-thin noodles, a centuries-old tradition |
| Tu Sun Dong (Sea Worm Jelly) | Local specialty snack | Jelly made from sea worms (Sipuncula) |
| Jiang Mu Ya (Ginger Duck) | Classic Min cuisine | Duck stewed with old ginger, nourishing and warming |
| Run Bing Cai (Spring Roll) | Minnan spring roll | Thin pancake wrapped with a variety of vegetables |
| Shao Rou Zong (Braised Pork Zongzi) | Traditional Dragon Boat Festival food | Glutinous rice wrapped around pork, mushrooms, etc. |
| Niu Rou Geng (Beef Soup) | Minnan soup | Delicious beef with special seasonings |
| Si Guo Tang (Four Fruits Soup) | Traditional dessert | Four types of fruits in syrup, refreshing and cooling |
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeastern Fujian Province |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March of the following year |
| Transportation | Jinjiang Airport, Quanzhou Railway Station (High-Speed Rail) |
| World Heritage | 22 heritage sites |
| Food Recommendations | Mian Xian Hu, Jiang Mu Ya, Shao Rou Zong |
Cultural Significance
Quanzhou's dual identity as a World Heritage site and a City of Gastronomy demonstrates the perfect integration of traditional Chinese culture and modern life. The phrase "Half city smoke and fire, half city immortals" accurately summarizes Quanzhou's unique charm—on one side lies the solemnity of a thousand-year history, and on the other, the warmth of everyday life.
References
- Xinhua Net: Quanzhou and Wuxi Selected for UNESCO Creative Cities Network
- CCTV.com: Quanzhou Selected as UNESCO City of Gastronomy
- Quanzhou Municipal Government: Quanzhou City of Gastronomy LOGO
- People's Daily: Quanzhou Snacks Add Color to City of Gastronomy
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