Runbing, Quanzhou-style spring roll. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Quanzhou has joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as the "City of Gastronomy", becoming the seventh city in China to receive the title.

Located in the South of Fujian province, Quanzhou serves as the region's political, economic, cultural, and transportation center. As one of China's first 24 Historical and Cultural Cities and the first "East Asian Cultural City", Quanzhou boasts 628 items of intangible cultural heritage, including seven globally and 36 nationally.

Additionally, "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China" was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2021.

Tusun jelly or sipunculid worm jelly. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Rooted in the rich cultural and historical legacy of Minnan and the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Quanzhou has earned UNESCO recognition for its enduring culinary traditions, distinctive flavors infused with both local and global influences and a thriving food industry that engages the whole community.

A series of culinary promotion campaigns and international exchange events have further enhanced Quanzhou's global profile.

Quanzhou cuisine has been showcased at venues such as the United Nations Headquarters in New York and the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, receiving widespread acclaim.

This honor marks a new beginning for Quanzhou cuisine on its journey to the world stage – using food as a universal language to let the world savor the taste of China and enjoy the Min lifestyle.